Emeli Sande wins BRITs Critics' Choice Award

Today The BRITs can reveal that Emeli Sandé is the winner of this year's prestigious Critics' Choice Award, with Maverick Sabre in second place and Michael Kiwanuka in third.

For a relative newcomer Scottish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sandé has already had an incredible career. As a published writer she's written hit singles for Chipmunk and Wiley as well as album tracks for Cheryl Cole, Susan Boyle and Tinie Tempah. Since signing a record deal with Virgin Records in 2011, Emeli has had a No. 2 debut single with 'Heaven' and a No.1 single with Professor Green, 'Read All About It'. Emeli received rave reviews for her recent headline sold out tour and is currently supporting Coldplay across the UK and Europe. Her outstanding song writing, breath-taking vocals and credible compositions have won her fans across the board and her hugely anticipated debut album, 'Our version of Events' will be released in February 2012.

As the winner, Emeli Sande will perform at The BRITs Nominations Launch event on the 12th of January at The Savoy Hotel.

Emeli said of her win, "To win a BRIT Award so early in my career is beyond a dream come true. I am overwhelmed to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. Thank you so much."

The Critics' Choice Award is for new British acts that the critics tip for mainstream success in the forthcoming year. In previous years it has been awarded to Jessie J (2011), Ellie Goulding (2010), Florence and the Machine (2009) and Adele (2008). The artists are chosen by a team of experts including the music editors of national newspapers, key music and lifestyle magazines and music websites plus the heads of music at major radio and music TV stations. The Award is open to artists signed to a label who are set to release their debut albums in 2012 and over 100 artists from a range of genres were considered for the award.

For the third year running, the Critics' Choice Award will also be presented in association with War Child, an international charity that protects children living in the world's most dangerous war zones. The BRITs are working alongside the charity and the annual War Child gig, now in its fourth year.

This week has also seen the final day for the Voting Academy to cast their votes for the winners of The BRIT Awards 2012 with voting closing yesterday.

http://www.brits.co.uk