Rival talent show judges Jessie J and Tulisa Contostavlos are to battle it out for Best Female at this year's Mobo Awards

The Voice coach and The X Factor judge will go head-to-head to be crowned queen of the music awards at Liverpool's Echo Arena on November 3.

Jessie J swept the board last year, picking up four of the five gongs she was nominated for – Best UK Act, Best Newcomer, Best Song and Best Album.

But she could now lose her crown to rival Tulisa.

Also in the running for the Best Female title are Aberdeen's Emeli Sande, along with Jay-Z's protege Rita Ora, former X Factor contestant Rebecca Ferguson and Jessie Ware

Plan B and Emeli Sande – who is riding high on the success of performing at the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies this summer – lead the nominations with five nods each.

Rapper, actor and director Plan B – real name Ben Drew – is up for Best Male, Best Hip-hop/Grime act, Best Video, Best Song and Best Album for Ill Manors.

As well as Best Female, Sande is nominated for Best R&B/Soul Act, Best Video, Best Song and Best Album. Husband and wife Jay-Z and Beyonce will compete for the title of Best International Act, along with Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Canadian star Drake.