David Bowie, Katy Perry compete for Brit Awards

Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams and Arctic Monkeys are set to perform Wednesday at Britain's leading music awards, where David Bowie could crown a comeback year with a pair of prizes.

The 67-year-old musical chameleon is nominated for British artist of the year and album of the year at the Brits, for his first release in a decade, "The Next Day."

New York-based Bowie is unlikely to attend the ceremony at London's 02 Arena. But music legend Prince -- who is in the midst of a string of British dates -- is expected to make an appearance.

Britain's music industry sees the Brits -- the U.K. equivalent of the Grammys -- as an important stage for new talent. Wednesday's awards bash, hosted by actor-comedian James Corden, features a slew of rising British contenders, after a couple of years in which Adele and One Direction ruled the roost.

Electronic duo Disclosure and rock band Bastille have four nominations apiece, while drum 'n' bass quartet Rudimental and singer Ellie Goulding each have three. One Direction has two nominations, for British single and British group.

International nominees include Drake, Eminem, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Arcade Fire.

Most winners are decided by a ballot of some 1,000 music-industry members, with several decided by public vote.