Fast rising songwriter Tom Odell has been named as the recipient of the Brits Critics’ Choice Award after triumphing over AlunaGeorge and Laura Mvula in the judges’ thoughts.
A succession of impressive, hauntingly cathartic tracks which have emerged since the summer mark Odell out as a hugely exciting new talent, and he becomes the first male act to win the award since it was introduced in 2008.
“I’m thrilled and honoured to win the Brits Critics’ Choice Award,” Odell has said in a statement. “I genuinely can’t believe it. Thank you so much. Looking at the list of amazing female artists who have won the award already, I just hope I don’t let the boys down!”
Odell will be hoping to match the success enjoyed by the previous winners of the Brit Award, with Adele picking up the prize in 2008, followed by Florence & The Machine, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J and last year Emeli Sande.