James Bay wins 2015 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award

James Bay beats Years & Years and George The Poet to one of the most prestigious prizes in music.

24 year old singer-songwriter James Bay has been announced as the winner of the 2015 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award.

James beat off tough competition from fellow newcomers Years & Years and George The Poet to claim the prize.

(Credit: JMEnternational)

The BRITs Critics Choice Award is voted for by a team of music industry experts, and has previously helped to launch the careers of Sam Smith, Adele, Florence & The Machine, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Emeli Sande and Tom Odell.

"I'm pretty speechless,” James 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. And 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."

James’ scored his first Official Singles Chart Top 40 just last weekend, with new single Hold Back The River.

In related news, the 2015 BRIT Awards statue, designed by British artist Tracey Emin, was unveiled for the first time yesterday. Check it out below: