The Vaccines, James Blake and Jessie J up for BRITs Critics' Choice Award

The countdown to the most exciting music awards ceremony in Britain continues today with the announcement of the three artists shortlisted for the prestigious BRITs Critics' Choice Award in association with War Child. The nominees are James Blake, Jessie J and The Vaccines.

For the first time since the introduction of the Critics' Choice Award the winner will be announced, alongside second and third place, on the same day as the official voting for the 2011 awards closes - 15th December.

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 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 2011. Upon today's announcement of the shortlist, in another first for 2011, the three nominated artists were immediately inducted into the BRITs Voting Academy and are now eligible themselves to vote for The BRIT Awards 2011, following this year's inclusion of artists in the academy.

For the second 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 third year, will subsequently be an official BRITs event held at London's IndigO2 on the night of the 15th.

Today's announcement coincides with the Official Voting Day for the 2011 Awards.

www.brits.co.uk