Chris Evans and Nick Grimshaw joined forces this morning in an extraordinary live link up across the Radio 2 and Radio 1 Breakfast Shows to announce that tickets are now on sale for the first ever BBC Music Awards. Chris and Grimmy also revealed just a few of the stellar names taking part in the event including One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Calvin Harris, Paloma Faith and Clean Bandit.

Coldplay’s Chris Martin says: "We’re really looking forward to the BBC Music Awards. It’s an incredible line-up and we’re honoured to be part of it."

On Thursday 11 December, the pop music world will unite for the inaugural, star-studded BBC Music Awards, hosted by Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton and broadcast live on BBC One from London’s Earl’s Court. A glittering array of UK and international artists will come together to celebrate an amazing year in music with a series of breathtaking musical performances from some of the biggest names in the business.

Chris Evans says: “Every year is a marvellous year for music in the UK and 2014 has been no exception. The inaugural BBC Music Awards will be the new icing on an ever mouthwatering end-of-term cake. We shall gratefully be tipping our hats to those whose lights have shone brightest and whose music has helped water the inner flowers of our souls, hearts and minds over the last 12 months. Call it a review with prizes, or a show full of surprises, I cannot wait. Get your ears on, the BBC Music Awards is coming to get you."

For the first time ever, BBC One, Radio 1, Radio 2 and The One Show will unite for a spectacular celebration of the best in popular music from across the BBC in the last 12 months. The extravaganza will feature captivating live performances and surprising artist collaborations for a night which will review and celebrate the year in music, whether it’s re-creating a magical performance from Radio 1’s Live Lounge, a stand-out moment from Glastonbury or an artist collaborating with the BBC Concert Orchestra to produce an epic version of their song. And there will be a special place reserved for a BBC Introducing artist.

Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC One, says: "BBC One is proud to host the inaugural BBC Music Awards. The channel has a reputation for bringing the nation together for big events and this stellar line-up promises an incredible evening and celebration of music on the BBC."

During the evening, three awards will be presented. British Artist of the Year and International Artist of the Year will be decided by a BBC Music panel as well as leading music journalists. The Song of the Year Award will be voted for by members of the public. The shortlist and voting details will be announced in December.

In addition to the main awards ceremony, The One Show, Radio 1 and Radio 2 will bring their viewers and listeners all the build-up on the day, exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and gossip plus interviews with all the stars. While bbc.co.uk/music will be jammed packed with clips, photos and interviews as well as live streaming the show itself; The One Show will be broadcasting live from Earl’s Court on the night; and Radio 1 and Radio 2 will also come live from the event too for the whole night.

Bob Shennan, Director, BBC Music, adds: “The line-up so far for the BBC Music Awards features some of the world’s most popular performers, and is a clear statement of BBC Music’s ambition, which is to give listeners and viewers the very best in musical entertainment. I know our audiences are in for a musical treat.”

13,500 tickets went on sale at 8.15am priced £25 - £45 each. All the details are at bbc.co.uk/music.