Veronica Schmidt
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She was beaten to the Mercury Prize by Elbow on Tuesday, but Estelle has come back in style by sweeping this year’s Mobo nominations.
The Londoner, who topped the charts in March with her single American Boy, racked up an impressive five nominations for the October awards, which celebrate music of black origin.
But while she received nods for best song, best UK female, best R&B/soul, best video and best album, last night’s nominations could leave the 28-year-old with mixed feelings after rivals Adele and Duffy also made the cut.
As the pair topped the charts earlier this year, Estelle made headlines by claiming that they shouldn’t be celebrated as soul singers.
"It's hilarious," she said. "I'm not mad at 'em - but I'm just wondering, how the hell is there not a single black person in the press singing soul? Adele ain't soul. She sounds like she heard some Aretha records once and she's got a deeper voice - that don't mean she's soul.
“As a songwriter, I get what they do. As a black person, I'm like: you're telling ME this is MY music? F*** that! They keep trying to tell me in the media what soul music is and I'm like, we KNOW what soul music is, stop f****** around with us! You're taking the piss out of every black person in the country!”
Adele and Duffy will both go head-to-head with Estelle for the best UK female award.
X Factor winner turned American chart topper Leona Lewis will also compete for the top female prize and will take a shot at the best album and best video titles.
Competition for the best UK male prize will be just as fierce. The lauded London rapper Dizzee Rascal, who won the gong last year, will again go up against grime pioneer Wiley, who mentored him as he was starting out. The pair also face Jay Sean, Sway and Taio Cruz.
Wiley, who broke into the mainstream this year with the hit Wearing My Rolex, also has a shot at the best song award, but again faces competition from Dizzee Rascal, as well as Estelle, Lil’ Wayne and Flo Rida .
Best album nominees are Alicia Keys, Estelle, Lil’ Wayne, Usher and Leona Lewis for Shine, the album that saw her conquer the US.
After winning best international act last year, Rihanna will take another crack at the title, but faces stiff competition from a host of heavyweights, including Jay-Z and Kayne West.
Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown will host the awards at London’s Wembley Arena on October 15.
The nominations:
Best UK Female
Adele
Duffy
Estelle
Leona Lewis
MIA.
Best UK Male
Dizzee Rascal
Jay Sean
Sway
Taio Cruz
Wiley
Best UK Newcomer
Bryn Christopher
Chipmunk
DJ Ironik
Skepta
T2
Best International Act
Akon
Alicia Keys
Chris Brown
Jay Z
Kanye West
Mariah Carey
Mary J Blige
Ne-Yo
Rihanna
Usher
Best Reggae
Beenie Man
Busy Signal
Etana
Mavado
Tarrus Riley
Best Jazz
Courtney Pine
Guy Barker
Lizz Wright
Tony Kofi
YolanDa Brown
Best Gospel
Ekklesia
GreenJade
Jahaziel
Kirk Franklin
Tye Tribbett
Best African Act
9ice
Asa
D'Banj Mo Hits All Stars
Faze
Hip Hop Pantsula
Jozi
Jua Cali
Magic System
P-Square
Wahu
Best Song
American Boy - Estelle
Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal
Lollipop - Lil' Wayne
Low - Flo Rida
Wearing My Rolex - Wiley
Best R&B/Soul
Chris Brown
Estelle
Jay Sean
Ne-Yo
Usher
Best Hip Hop
Dizzee Rascal
Jay-Z
Lil' Wayne
Lupe Fiasco
Wiley
Best Video
Kidulthood To Adulthood - Bashy
American Boy - Estelle
Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
Stryderman - Tinchy Stryder
Heartbreaker - Will.i.am
Best Album
As I Am - Alicia Keys
Shine - Estelle
Spirit - Leona Lewis
The Carter III - Lil' Wayne
Here I Stand - Usher
Best Radio DJ
DJ 279
Ace and Invisible
Masterstepz
Rampage
Robbo Ranx
Semtex
Shortee Blitz
Steve Sutherland
Tim Westwood
Trevor Nelson
Best Club DJ
DJ EZ
Hotsteppa
Masterstepz
Rampage
Sarah Love
Scottie B
Semtex
Shortee Blitz
Steve Sutherland
Tim Westwood

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Estelle has had bunch of talented producers create a sound that has given her career a boost. Great, good for her. But, that does not give her the right to diss the blue-eyed soulsters who are having success. Adele and Amy have far better voices than Estelle so she needs to check her mouth.
Dan, London, Endland
Estelle is part right to be outraged - let's face it Adele and Duffy have absolutely nothing to do with Aretha Franklin - what they are are just token white artists in amongst a host of black just so the whole concept looks a bit more pc. Be honest, a MOWO awards evening just wouldn't be allowed.
JOHN PRITCHARD, LONDON, ENGLAND