Brit Awards Critics’ Choice shortlist announced
Before they were famous, Adele, Sam Smith, James Bay and Florence + The Machine were earmarked for success by the Brits Critics’ Choice award.
Now three new acts are vying for the title as the prize marks its 10th anniversary.
Pop diva Dua Lipa, blues singer Rag N Bone Man and dance vocalist Anne-Marie all make the shortlist, which is voted for by music industry experts.
The winner is announced on 8 December, ahead of next year’s Brit Awards.
Unusually, all of this year’s nominees have already tasted chart success in the last 12 months. Anne-Marie is currently number one as the featured performer on Clean Bandit’s hit Rockabye.
Dua Lipa, who was on the BBC’s Sound Of 2016 list earlier this year, has scored hits with her singles Hotter Than Hell and Blow Your Mind (Mwah).
Rag N Bone Man, meanwhile, has been number one for nine weeks in Germany with his soulstirring ballad Human. The song is set to enter the UK chart for the first time this week after being performed by X Factor contestant Emily Middlemas.
The nominees were chosen by a panel of music industry experts - from critics and record label employees to heads of the UK’s biggest radio stations.
The winner will receive a statue designed by late architect Zaha Hadid, and will get to perform on the Brit Awards launch show live on ITV on 14 January.
Anne-Marie
After two stints in Les Miserables as a child actress, Anne-Marie was hired as a touring vocalist for dance collective Rudimental. They liked her so much they signed her to their label. Her solo single Alarm hit number 16 earlier this year and has been streamed more than 100 million times.
Age: 25
From: Essex
Inspired by: Eminem, 50 Cent, Prince, Lauryn Hill and... S Club 7
For fans of: Rihanna, Jess Glynne, Jessie Ware
Did you know? Anne-Marie is a three-time world karate champion.
She says: “I actually can’t believe I am nominated for this amazing award. This is so sick. To everyone who voted for me I am so grateful and humbled, here’s to 2017!”
Dua Lipa
Born in London but with an Albanian heritage, Dua Lipa attended the Sylvia Young stage school until, aged 13, her parents returned to Kosovo. She lasted two years before fleeing to London, where she worked in nightclubs to pay for her singing career. Possessed of a smoky voice and a hip-hop sensibility, she is due to release her debut album in February.
Age: 21
From: London
Inspired by: Chance The Rapper, David Bowie, Nelly Furtado, Pink
For fans of: Destiny’s Child, Lana Del Rey, Charli XCX
Did you know? She once got in trouble for throwing bubble bath at a policeman.
She says: “This is the highlight of my year. I’ve hit a lot of milestones this year, from performing at Glastonbury, to doing my own European tour... [and] this is the icing on the cake.”
Rag N Bone Man
Born Rory Graham, singer-songwriter Rag N Bone Man is the unlikely missing link between blues giants like Robert Johnson and the soulful pop of Sam Smith and John Newman. His gruff, emotive voice brings his tales of love, loss and redemption vividly to life - something his huge European fanbase have cottoned on to before the UK. Age: 31 From: Uckfield, near Brighton Inspired by: John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Roots Manuva, D’Angelo
For fans of: Joe Cocker, Sam Smith, Plan B, Ray LaMontagne
Did You Know? The singer’s chose his stage name because he’s a fan of the sitcom Steptoe and Son.
She says: “It’s bonkers that I’ve been nominated for Critics’ Choice. Absolutely bonkers. I’ve been grafting, I built a strong fanbase over the years with help from good people that put their faith in me. And now this! I’m very grateful.”