by Vicki Arkoff

LONDON --Is British pop music officially dead? Sadly, it appears to at best be critically-wounded, because all-American Taylor Swift has been announced as the headliner for The BRIT Awards’ 2013, England’s ceremonial answer to The Grammy Awards, which was designed to honor the best in music from the UK. The event -- taking place at London’s O2 Arena on February 19 – also features performances by Yankee actor-singer-dancer hyphenate Justin Timberlake, plus the majority of Britain’s current pop and rock stars: Robbie Williams, Muse, Ben Howard, One Direction, Emeli Sandé, and Mumford & Sons, the roots-music saviors of Britain’s fading glory.  

The 2013 BRITs will be hosted by actor-writer-producer and 2012 Tony Award winner James Corden. British bands Mumford & Sons and Alt-J, and singer songwriter Emeli Sandé lead in the way of nominations with three nods each. All three artists were nominated for the top award -- the prestigious British Album of the Year -- joined on the list by Paloma Faith and Plan B. 

The BRIT Awards 2013 trophies won’t be the only prizes handed out. Show performers and guest presenters will be thanked with sumptuous his-and-hers goodie bags – from Jack French London, and Twenty 8 by just4leather. Filled by savvy Pandora’s Lounge organizers, the goodie bags include the JBL Flip portable wireless stereo system, JBL J 55i headphones, Lucky Voice Karaoke machine, Paperblanks journals, Ti Sento Milano silver jewelry, Emma J Shipley scarves, Colin Leslie Eyewear, Hugo Boss perfume/cologne, and a certificate for a luxe stay at Hampshire, England’s Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa or the Cliveden House Hotel & Spa.

The BRIT Awards will be broadcast in the U.S. on the Fuse channel, Wednesday, February 20 at 6pm/5c. On February 19 and 20, Fuse News kicks things off with profiles of some of the most notable BRIT nominees, including The XX and Emeli Sandé. Fuse News anchor Alexa Chung will be onsite at London’s O2 Arena to bring U.S. audiences a comprehensive recap to air on Thursday, February 21.