BBC Music Awards 2015: Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith among Song of the Year nominees

Clean Bandit and Ella Henderson are also among the shortlisted artists

Sam Smith is one of the favourites to take home a trophy at the first BBC Music Awards (Rex)

Sam Smith, Pharrell, Clean Bandit and Ed Sheeran are among the ten artists shortlisted for Song of the Year at the inaugural BBC Music Awards.

Of the three awards up for grabs, Song of the Year is the only prize voted for by the public, with voting open now and closing at 7.20pm this evening.

It will be presented at a star-studded Earls Court ceremony tonight, broadcast live on BBC One from 8 to 10pm and simulcast on Radio 1 and Radio 2.

Two other accolades, British Artist of the Year and International Artist of the Year, will also be awarded at the event after being decided by a panel of industry experts.

David Bowie, Jungle, Sam Smith, Royal Blood, Elbow and Ed Sheeran have been nominated for the former, with Pharrell, Taylor Swift, Lorde, Gregory Porter, Dolly Parton and Prince competing for the latter.

Calvin Harris, Paloma Faith, One Direction and Ed Sheeran are among the acts lined up to perform with Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton hosting.

Song of the Year shortlist

“Rather Be” – Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne

“A Sky Full Of Stars” – Coldplay

“Sing” – Ed Sheeran

“Ghost” – Ella Henderson

“Budapest” – George Ezra

“Hideaway” – Kiesza

“Royals” – Lorde

“Am I Wrong” – Nico & Vinz

“Happy” – Pharrell

“Money On My Mind” – Sam Smith