The BBC Music Awards return with a star-studded line-up for 2016

THE BBC announced today that the BBC Music Awards will return this December for a third year running.

Airing live on BBC One from London’s ExCel this December, the musical extravaganza will be hosted by Fearne Cotton and Claudia Winkleman.

Featuring stunning live performances from some of the biggest names in music, the show will celebrate artistry and tell the story of the past twelve months in music.

Grammy Award-winning Michael Bublé will lead the performances after recently releasing his self-produced album Nobody But Me.

Emeli Sandé will also perform before Lukas Graham, The Kaiser Chiefs, The 1975 and pop sensation Zara Larsson take to the stage.

Further acts are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Host Claudia Winkleman said: “As the song goes, music was my first love and it will be my last. I’m honoured to help present the BBC Music Awards and am so excited to be working with the very brilliant Fearne.”

Director of BBC Music Bob Shennan added: “From Glastonbury to the BBC Proms, BBC Music has brought some of this year’s most memorable musical moments to millions of music lovers.

“This year’s BBC Music Awards, to be hosted by two of the UK’s best loved presenters Fearne and Claudia, will shine a light on a fantastic range of incredible artists for what’s sure to be a spectacular night of entertainment.”

The BBC Music Awards 2016 will feature five awards: BBC Music British Artist of the Year as decided by the BBC Music committee, Song of the Year voted for by members of the public and BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year decided by the BBC Music Introducing panel.

This year there will be two new awards celebrating the best of live and recorded music − BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge Performance of the Year voted for by the Radio 1 Playlist Committee and BBC Radio 2 Album of the Year voted for by the Radio 2 Playlist Committee.

Tickets are now on sale, and are priced from £42 to £62 (plus booking fee). Click here for full details.

The BBC Music Awards will broadcast on BBC One at 8:30pm on December 12.