Sam Smith dominates Brit Awards with 5 nominations

Sam Smith is leading the nominations of Brit Awards as the singer has bagged 5 nominations including Best British male, Breakthrough Artist and Best Album, for 'In The Lonely Hour'.

The 22-year-old singer is followed by singer-songwriters Ed Sheeran and George Ezra, with four nominations, and rock duo Royal Blood, who have been nominated for three Brit Awards, the BBC reported.

Smith, who won the BBC's Sound of 2014 last year, was the only artist to sell more than a million albums in both the UK and US in 2014.

Taylor Swift has been nominated in the Best International Female category alongside Beyonce, Lana Del Rey, Sia and St Vincent.

'X-Factor' finalist Ella Henderson is nominated for both best British Female and Best Single for her number one single 'Ghost'.