Adele, James Bay, Sam Smith, Florence + The Machine are all previous winners of the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award, it’s fair to say, they’re a big deal.
The three new artists shortlisted for the 2016 prize are London-based sassy singer Izzy Bizu, piano maestro Frances and soul singer Jack Garratt.
A delighted Izzy said: “I’m so honoured to be nominated for the Critics’ Choice Award this year, following in the footsteps of amazingly talented artists like Adele, Emeli Sande and James Bay so thank you! I grew up watching the class on the TV at home so it’s pretty exciting to be a part of it!”
Frances, 22, says it’s a “huge honour” to be nominated for an award that was once given to so many of her “idols”.
“I’ve followed the awards my whole life, but never thought I’d be lucky enough to be nominated…It’s amazing to be a part of something that has included so many of my idols and musical inspirations. An amazing feeling. Thank you.”
Jack Garratt was thrilled just to be nominated.
He said: “It’s amazing to be nominated for the Critics’ Choice Award 2016. It’s such a significant award that highlights the importance of new music, so it’s a genuine honour to have been nominated alongside some other incredible new acts from the UK.”
The gong – chosen by the UK’s leading music press – is awarded to artists who are gearing up to release a debut album in 2016.
The winner will handed the trophy – created by Pam Hogg – at London’s O2 Arena on November 27.
