Russian soprano Anna Netrebko and U.S. conductor and violinist Marin Alsop are also nominated in the same category. All three nominees have previously won female artist of the year.
Gheorghiu, 45, is a superstar of the international opera scene and one of the best selling classical artists.
Britain’s Got Talent star Faryl Smith, 14, and Pope Benedict will compete for a prize at the Classical Brit Awards. Smith 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. Her debut is shortlisted with Alma Mater’s Music From The Vatican, which features the voice of Pope Benedict.
Soprano Kiri Te Kanawa will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony, which is being hosted by Myleene Klass and which will be broadcast on ITV1 on May 18.