Brit Awards 2016: Why is Amy Winehouse nominated for British Female Solo Artist when she died five years ago?

Winehouse will go up against Adele, Jess Glynne, Laura Marling and Florence and the Machine at the ceremony

Amy Winehouse died from alcohol poisoning in 2011 aged only 27 (AP)

It looks set to be Adele’s night at the Brit Awards but the British Female Solo Artist could see an upset if the late Amy Winehouse takes the gong.

The “Back to Black” singer is nominated in the category despite her tragic death from alcohol poisoning five years ago, raising questions over her eligibility for the prize. Florence and the Machine, Jess Glynne and Laura Marling are also up for the big award.

Some fans are assuming that Winehouse’s inclusion is a tribute. In fact, she is eligible for Amy, the soundtrack to Asif Kapadia’s Oscar-nominated documentary.

The album, featuring unreleased songs and demos, charted in the Top 40 in October 2015 and therefore fits within the necessary time period for consideration (21 July 2014 to 10 December 2015).

The Official Charts Company decided that Amy met the requirements and it became one of the Brits Voting Academy’s top five options.

Winehouse last picked up the award in 2007 and has been nominated for eight Brits in total.

Adele, James Bay and Years & Years lead the Brits 2016 nominations with four each. The winners will be revealed at a London ceremony airing live on ITV at 8pm.