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BRITs Critics’ Choice nominees announced

By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 5 December 2013

The list of nominees for the BRITs Critics’ Choice award has been announced. And the three artists UK music critics think are most likely to succeed in 2014 are: Chlöe Howl, Ella Eyre and Sam Smith.

All three artists also appear on the BBC’s Sound Of 2014 longlist, which may give an indication of how the final rankings on that survey will go when they’re announced next month. Though it didn’t last year, eventual BRIT new act winner Tom Odell crashing out of the Beeb’s poll at the first hurdle. Not sure these betting tips I’m providing are much help. Whatever, our money’s on Chlöe Howl for both the BRIT and Sound honour, cos we like her.

Anyway, it doesn’t matter who takes the prize in the end, because all three artists get the most coveted prize: having a pre-prepared quote published by CMU. And that’s what is going to happen right now…

Chlöe Howl: “I’ve followed the paths of the BRITs Critics’ Choice artists since Adele won the first one when I was twelve. To be on the shortlist is incredible, and to be alongside two amazing artists is an honour. It’s so exciting!”

Ella Eyre: “It’s overwhelming to be nominated for a BRIT Award, to think that two years ago I was at The BRIT Awards on a school trip, and to be considered now is crazy!”

Sam Smith: “I have watched the BRITs religiously for many years growing up. The people who have won [the Critics Choice award] before are to this day some of my favourite artists and biggest inspirations. So to even be up for this award is completely overwhelming for me. I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am!”

Well done all three of you.