Brit awards to 'make amends' for cutting off Adele speech

The organiser of the Brit Awards has hinted that the ceremony will make amends for cutting short Adele's victory speech last year.

The pop star was interrupted as she accepted the best British album prize, as the TV show was running over time.

Brits chairman David Joseph told the Guardian he couldn't understand "what was happening in that control booth".

"I can hint that something is going to happen this year to right that wrong," he added.

Adele is currently the bookmakers' favourite to win the best British single prize, for her Bond theme Skyfall.

She is also in the running for the newly-minted award for "global success", recognising exceptional international sales in 2012.

However, there are rumours the pop star may not make it to the Brits ceremony, as she is rehearsing for an appearance at the Oscars on Sunday night.

Artists who are confirmed for the annual awards bash include One Direction, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, Emeli Sande and Robbie Williams - all of whom will be performing.

Sande is in the running for most prizes on Wednesday night, with four nominations including best female and best album.

There are also three nominations apiece for Mumford and Sons and Mercury Prize winners Alt-J.

Pop star Rihanna stands to take home the best international female prize for the third time, while Amy Winehouse is shortlisted posthumously for best British female.

The winners all receive a trophy designed by artist Damien Hirst.

Rehearsals for the televised show have been taking place at London's O2 arena all week, where the stage is surrounded by sweeping, ticker-tape style lighting rigs and 350 sq metre video screens.

One Direction will give the first live performance of their Comic Relief single, a medley of Blondie's One Way Or Another and The Undertones' Teenage Kicks.

US country star Taylor Swift is said to be putting together a fire and ice-themed set, while Timberlake is bringing along the big band that accompanied him at the Grammy Awards two weeks ago.

The Grammys saw strict rules about the performers' wardrobes, with broadcaster CBS asking celebrities to "avoid sheer see-through clothing" and to make sure that "buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered".

However, David Joseph said there had been no such warnings for the Brits.

"I would never ask anyone to dress in a certain way," he told the BBC. "Artists should be allowed to be as free as they want in terms of their expression and fashion."

Hosted by comedian James Corden, the Brits ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV from 20:00 GMT.