Led by the talent and charisma of frontman Chris Martin, Coldplay emerged with a streamlined sound combining elements of Radiohead and U2, but steering more toward the pop end of the rock spectrum. In 2000, when "Yellow" hit the airwaves, Coldplay exploded into an arena phenomenon.

Coldplay — comprising Guy Berryman (bass) Jonny Buckland (guitar), Will Champion (drums), and Martin (vocals/piano) — formed in 1996 while attending University College London. After releasing the EPs Safety and Brothers & Sisters, the band earned a UK deal with Parlophone Records in 1999. That same year Coldplay released another EP, Blue Room, before issuing their debut album, Parachutes, in 2000, which won them their first GRAMMY for Best Alternative Music Album in 2001. "Yellow" earned a nomination for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.

Things only got better for Coldplay with the release of their sophomore album, 2002's A Rush Of Blood To The Head. The album, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and won them a second GRAMMY for Best Alternative Music Album, featured the GRAMMY-winning tracks "In My Place" and "Clocks," the latter of which earned Record Of The Year honors in 2003.

Subsequent releases included X&Y (2005) and Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (2008), both of which attained multi-platinum status and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Their most recent release, 2011's Mylo Xyloto, also peaked at No. 1 and earned Coldplay a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Album at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards. They earned a second 55th nomination for Best Rock Performance for "Charlie Brown."