Pope takes on reality-TV stars for music award

The pontiff was shortlisted for the Classical Brit Awards album of the year for his singing on the "Alma Mater - Music From the Vatican".

LONDON (AFP) – Pope Benedict XVI was nominated on Monday for a top British classical music award and will fight for the prize against reality television stars.

The pontiff was shortlisted for the Classical Brit Awards album of the year for his singing on the album "Alma Mater -- Music From the Vatican".

There are 10 contenders vying for the prize, including two from British reality television shows: Britain's Got Talent star Faryl Smith and the X-Factor's Rhydian Roberts.

Also up against the German-born pontiff are three Catholic clerics in a group called The Priests, with their second release "Harmony".

The winner of the album of the year, who is voted for by the public, will be announced in London on May 13. Last year the prize was won by the bagpipe music of Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.