Vatican's got talent as Pope may win a Brit

POPE Benedict XVI has received his first Classical Brit nomination – and finds himself battling it out with Britain's Got Talent star Faryl Smith and X-Factor's Rhydian Roberts among others.

Each year the Classical Brit Awards highlight the ten biggest-selling classical albums of the past 12 months by nominating them for the NS&I album of the year award, the only category to be voted for by the public.

The Priests' second release, Harmony, will see the clerical trio also vying with the Pope, whose voice appears on Alma Mater – Music From The Vatican.

The only two female nominations go to debut albums from 14-year-old Smith with Faryl, which became the fastest-selling solo classical album in British chart history, and Gary Barlow's protege Camilla Kerslake for her eponymous record.

Following in the footsteps of last year's winners, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, are The Coldstream Guards with Heroes.

Also nominated are Blake with Together and Howard Goodall with Enchanted Voices.