X Factor stars battle it out for Mobo award

X Factor stars JLS and Alexandra Burke will go head to head once more – in the best UK newcomer category at this year’s Mobo awards.

The two acts were in the final showdown of last year’s X Factor, with Burke’s soulful voice beating heart-throbs JLS to the prize.

In the meantime, both have gone on to top the charts, Burke with her cover of cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and the boys’ debut single ‘Beat Again’ rocketed to number one last month.

‘Beat Again’ also features in the best song category.

Former Eurovision contestant Jade Ewen is also in the category, as are Irish soul singer Laura Izibor and London-based MC Master Shortie.

Marvin Humes of JLS said: “Supporting urban music talent is vital to the industry and the Mobo Awards does an outstanding job of nurturing new talent and recognising the icons of music which inspire artists today.”

Bandmate Oritse Williams added: “There are very few platforms for new talent; while we got our chance through the X Factor, the Mobo Awards continues to pave the way for new acts that struggle to gain the recognition they deserve.”

Alesha Dixon, who is joining Strictly Come Dancing following the departure of Arlene Phillips amid an age row, is in the best UK act category.

The category only features two women – Dixon and Beverley Knight.

They will battle it out with Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder, Bashy, Chipmunk, DJ Ironik, Donae’o, Mr Hudson and N-Dubz.

Dixon is also up for a video award for her hit ‘Boy Does Nothing’.

Knight is up for best r&b/soul act, vying with Lemar, Keri Hilson, Jeremih and Ciara.

The 14th annual Mobo Awards will take place in Glasgow on September 30 – the first time the bash has moved from its birthplace.

Leading the nominations is last year’s best newcomer winner, teenage rapper Chipmunk, who earned four nominations as best UK act, best hip hop act, best video and best song for the top 10 single Diamond Rings featuring Glasgow’s own Emelie Sande.

Kanya King, CEO and founder of Mobo, said: “It is a reflection of the industry that the guys are dominating the UK nominations, but we have identified a lot of young female talent coming through.

“Their presence in the 2009 nominations demonstrates that Mobo continues to be a taste-maker for the industry – these are the ones to watch!”

Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Mariah Carey, Hilson, Beyonce, Ciara and Drake are all up for best international act.

The public can vote at www.mobo.com to have their say on the ultimate winners.

Here is the full list of nominations for this year’s Mobo Awards:

Best UK Act:

Alesha Dixon

Bashy

Beverley Knight

Chipmunk

Dizzee Rascal

DJ Ironik

Donae’o

Mr Hudson

N-Dubz

Tinchy Stryder

Best UK Newcomer

Alexandra Burke

Jade Ewen

JLS

Laura Izibor

Master Shortie

Best R&B/Soul Act

Beverley Knight

Ciara

Jeremih

Keri Hilson

Lemar

Best Hip Hop Act

Chipmunk

Dizzee Rascal

Drake

Eminem

Kanye West

Best Video

Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal

Boy Does Nothing – Alesha Dixon

Diamond Rings – Chipmunk ft Emeli Sande

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce

Supernova – Mr Hudson ft Kanye West

Best International Act

Akon

Beyonce

Ciara

Drake

Eminem

Jay-Z

Kanye West

Keri Hilson

Lady Gaga

Mariah Carey

Best Song

Beat Again – JLS

Diamond Rings – Chipmunk ft Emeli Sande

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes – K.I.G. Family

Number One – Tinchy Stryder ft N-Dubz

Strong Again – N-Dubz

Best Album

808s and Heartbreaks – Kanye West

Catch 22 – Tinchy Stryder

Catch Me If You Can – Bashy

I Am... Sasha Fierce – Beyonce

Uncle B – N-Dubz

Best Reggae

Movado

Sean Paul

Serani

Tarrus Riley

Vybz Kartel

Best Jazz Act

Diana Krall

Herbie Hancock

Madeleine Peyroux

Melody Gardot

Yolanda Brown

Best African Act

Amadou and Mariam

Baaba Maal

Eidee

Femi Kuti

K’Naan

Lira

Mujava

Nneka

Oumou Sangare

Salif Kelta

Best Gospel Act

Desire to Worship God

Kiki Sheard

Mary Mary

New Direction

Crew