Pope Benedict a Brit Awards Music Festival Contender

Britain's Got Talent star Faryl Smith and Pope Benedict will compete for a prize at the Classical Brit Awards, which takes place next month.

Smith, 14, is the youngest artist to receive a double nomination and is up for the young British performer title, as well as album of the year, reports BBC News. 

Her debut is shortlisted with Alma Mater's Music From The Vatican, which features the voice of Pope Benedict. The event takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on 13 May.

Smith faces violinist Jack Liebeck and early music ensemble Stile Antico for the best young artist prize. Conductor and music director of the Royal Opera Antonio Pappano, and composer Howard Goodall have also received two nominations.

The show will be broadcast on ITV1 on May 18.