Tension is mounting as performers arrive and last minute rehearsals continue. Last night tempers flared as television rehearsals went late into the night. Last year's big winner 'Sway' was meant to be on stage at 6 pm but American R&B star Rihanna arrived early and caused some dismay by stealing Sway's rehearsal slot, he was pushed back to 9.30 pm, he told us "It is ridiculous, we have been waiting here all afternoon, the Americans get the priority here, we just have to work with it."

Sway is favourite for two awards this evening and on a brighter note told us he is expecting an exciting year "Last year's victory transformed a lot of things, brought me to a bigger level, a lot of people win a Mobo and don't work with it, I made every advantage count and I hope to do the same after tonight." Not bad for an act that has refused to sign a record deal. Sway has promised an incredible stage show, we can reveal he will be the end act and has some surprises in store, "I think people will enjoy the performance, it will be very different to the other ones."

Alicia Keys made a surprise entrance and people are buzzing about the expected arrival of Beyonce and Jay Z. Nandos have been busy grilling chicken for the hungry celebs, the catering is not as 'luxury' as most awards shows lay on but it is definitely tasty.

This year the music stars will be seated in the front seats and the famous boxes around the Royal Albert Hall will be for record companies and celebrity guests at the event. We can reveal LL Cool J will be guest presenting alongside Gina Yashere. The action is live on BBC 3 from 9pm and repeated on BBC1 on Friday.

written by on 20/09/2006 00:00:00