The cream of the urban music world will return to Glasgow tonight for the MOBO Awards at the SECC, while about 250million people in 75 countries will watch on television.
It is the second time the MOBOs – Music Of Black Origin – have been held in the city, after the 2009 event in the city was such a great success. It is also the first in a three-date string of events that will see them return in 2013 and 2015 to the new Scottish Hydro Arena, which is under construction.
In total, the three shows are expected to generate around £3million for Glasgow and its businesses.
While none of the household name nominees, such as Beyonce and Rihanna are expected, there are already lots of diva demands.
One artist has asked for a dressing room to be decorated in red, while some guests will arrive by helicopter at the nearby pad.
Pop heartthrobs JLS are even chartering a private jet to get to Glasgow on time because they are rehearsing for a Michael Jackson tribute concert in Cardiff.
Top nominee Jessie J will open the show and her performance – the first since her broken foot healed – is rumoured to be on a trapeze. Dappy, from N- Dubz, will be suspended in the air over the crowd for his rendition of No 1 single No Regrets, with backing from Glasgow Gospel Choir.
Other acts include American band Boyz II Men, Katy B, Wretch 32, Alexis Jordan, Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk and rap duo Rizzle Kicks.
Also on the guest list are celebs, including Rick Parfitt from Status Quo, with sports stars also promised to be there.
Jason Derulo and Alesha Dixon are the hosts, but the show-stopping moment is set to be a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse, led by her 15-year-old niece Dionne Bromfield.
MOBOs founder Kanya King said: "We have invited Amy's parents and those closest to her. That will be a really moving moment."
Ms King says the show will be even better than in 2009, when Jermaine and LaToya Jackson flew in from America to lead a tribute to their brother Michael, who died that year.
Ms King added: "We booked another day at the SECC so people have more time to rehearse. People have got big ideas in terms of performances.
"Everyone is pulling out all the stops so people go 'wow'. It is going be a massive show. "
Guests, including record company executives at VIP tables that cost up to £5000, will munch on canapes including Thai fish cakes, mini fish and chips, as well as sausage and mash and chicken liver pate on mini oatcakes, rounded off with strawberry cheesecake and orange mousse.
Flying the flag for Scotland are Best Newcomer nominees Yasmin, 22, who grew up in Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, and Emile Sande, who studied medicine at Glasgow University. She lived in Hyndland before launching a music career that saw her single Heaven reach No 2 in the charts.
Emile, 24, who has written a song for Susan Boyle and recorded with Alicia Keys, has been loaned a D&G dress for the night.
She said: "It's lovely to get recognised, although I do not think I have a good chance of winning.
"My parents and my boyfriend are coming. I am quite excited- I just hope I don't fall over.
Scott Taylor, chief executive Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, and Paul Bush, boss of EventScotland, struck the three-year deal to bring the show back to Glasgow after a year of negotiations.
Mr Taylor said: "The MOBOs make a statement to the music industry and they do that on behalf of Glasgow in a spectacular fashion.
"Some people have an old-fashioned view of Glasgow, but this is a very contemporary view. It is a very modern dynamic city and MOBO perfectly complements that.
"Right now, the MOBOs are the biggest showcase for Glasgow."
The event is also critical to attracting other big events to the city.
Executives involved in the London 2014 Olympics, as well as that year's Ryder Cup, will be among the guests.
Mr Bush said: "Having the MOBOs for three more occasions is critical and builds towards the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014."
