The Brits Critics’ Choice Award winner for 2015 has been revealed as James Bay, a well connected singer-songwriter who has already toured this year with Brits favourites such as Tom Odell and John Newman.
“I’m pretty speechless,” Bay has said. “After all the years I’ve spent watching the Brits and even after this year; watching my fan base grow so much, I never thought I’d actually be getting an award myself.”
“What a huge honour to be following the incredible artists who’ve won before. I’m really chuffed, thank you to everyone who has supported me.”
The Brits critics love a solo crooner – Bay’s triumph follows victories in the past for Tom Odell, Sam Smith, Emeli Sande, Jessie J, Adele, Florence & The Machine and Ellie Goulding.
He’ll now perform at the Brits nomination party next month and is due to release his debut album in the spring. With mentions also secured for MTV Brand New and BBC Sound Of…, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if there’s more industry backing before then.