Frank Ocean Ranks Second On BBC Sound Of 2012 Poll

Frank Ocean has been placed third in the BBC's Sound of 2012 poll.

The singer, who has gained exposure working with some of hip-hops biggest musicians, beat 12 other contenders to rank in third place.

Ocean leaked his debut album 'Nostalgia' online by himself last February after major labels failed to notice him.

Yesterday (January 4) US dubstep producer Skrillex was placed fourth, while duo Niki & The Dove came in at number five.

The 15-strong list featured A$AP Rocky, Dot Rotten, Dry The River, Flux Pavilion, Friends and Jamie N Commons.

Lianne La Havas, Michael Kiwanuka, Niki & The Dove, Ren Harvieu, Spector and Stooshe complete the list.

The winner of this year's BBC Sound of 2012 list will be announced on Friday (January 6).

In order to qualify, acts must not have had a top-20 UK single or album by November 14 2010. The poll also overlooked artists who are already famous.

Previous winners of the BBC Sound Of... include Jessie J, Adele, Corinne Bailey Rae, Keane and 50 Cent.