Jorja Smith named 2018 Brits Critics Choice
R&B singer Jorja Smith wins Brits Critics' Choice award, and is coined as one to watch next year.
Last updated 5th Dec 2017
Beating other newcomers, Stefflon Don and Mabel to the prize, the 20-year-old singer from the West Midlands marks ten years of winners since the first Critics' Choice Award was given to North London's fave, Adele.
The award that was introduced to recognise "the future stars of British recording talent". The Walsall singer has already been featured on two tracks and a tour with Drake, as well as a club banger with On My Mind, a collaboration with fellow midlands producer, Preditah.
The nominees each year are British artists who the BPI academy believe will make the biggest impact on music in the coming year.
Brits Chairman Jason Iley said: “The Critics’ Choice Award has an incredible track record of showcasing some of the most exciting up-and-coming artists for the last ten years. Jorja Smith has a huge future ahead of her and looks set to follow in the footsteps of the most successful past Critics’ Choice winners.”
2018 also marks the year of the first all-female shortlist, ending a five year solo male winner streak. The award has previously been awarded to female artists such as Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, and Emeli Sande.
"It's been an unforgettable 2017 during which I've fulfilled so many of my dreams, and to be part of an all female shortlist alongside Mabel and Stefflon Don, who've both had incredible 2017s, makes it even better!" she said.
The Critics' Choice prize is the first award to be announced before the official Brit Awards ceremony, taking at London's O2 Arena on 21 February, 2018.