Florence & The Machine has expressed surprise at her 'unbelievable' number of nominations for this year's Brit awards.

The singer is up against artists like Kasabian and Leona Lewis in three categories: British Female Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act and British Album.

She told Radio 1: 'I honestly never ever thought I'd be up against people like Lily Allen and Lady Gaga because they're such huge stars. It seems unbelievable that we'd be in the same category.'

'I just see them as really successful and famous artists', she added. 'I still feel like I'm still just emerging.'

'It'd be nice to win something like British Breakthrough Act because this year has been for me a big break through.'

Florence won Critic's Choice at the 2009 awards, and will perform at this year's ceremony with Dizzee Rascal. The artists, both nominated for British Album, will collaborate on a mash-up of their hits 'You've Got The Love' and 'Dirtee Cash'.

'I just thought it'd be great to do something with Dizzee because I've never collaborated with someone who is more of an R&B, hip hop artist. I thought it'd be really exciting.'

(by James Glazebrook)