2018 Critics’ Choice shortlist announced
We are extremely excited to announce that Jorja Smith, Stefflon Don and Mabel have been shortlisted for the 2018 BRITs Critics’ Choice award. These three outstanding talents have been whittled down from over 100 artists selected by a team of music industry experts across radio, TV, print and online.
The BRITs Critics’ Choice award has been successfully predicting and identifying the next artist to make waves in the music industry since 2008. Winners across the last ten years include Adele, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and last year’s winner Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, who have gone on to achieve extraordinary chart success not only in the UK, but worldwide.
Jorja Smith, a 20-year-old R&B songstress from Walsall in the West Midlands met her now manager aged 15 but it was the release of her Dizzee Rascal inspired ‘Blue Lights’ in 2016 that put her and her soulful, diverse vocals into the spotlight. She has seen her international profile rocket this year after featuring on Drake’s ‘More Life’.
On being shortlisted, Jorja said: "It's an honour to be recognised amongst such incredible emerging talent. 2017 was a very special year and there's so much more to come from me in 2018!”
Multitalented rapper, singer and songwriter Stefflon Don sent ripples through the music industry with her cover of Wretch 32’s ‘Six Words’ and Section Boyz’s ‘Lock Arff’ in 2015. Her ability to switch between rap, grime, dancehall patios and smooth vocals effortlessly and with confidence is perhaps why she has gathered the attention of her musical peers - collaborating with the likes of Lethal Bizzle, French Montana and Skepta.
Speaking of being shortlisted, Steff said: “I am so excited to be nominated for this amazing award. A big shout out to all my fans and dons for their support. 2017 has been lit and I can’t wait for 2018! Mad love to you all”
21-year-old Mabel released her first single, ‘Know Me Better’ on Soundcloud in July 2015. It was a viral hit and was picked up by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and Annie Mac. By October of that year she had signed a major label deal. Fast forward to 2017, and her single ‘Finders Keepers’ has been one of the breakout hits of the year, spending five weeks in the UK Top 10 and reaching almost 20 million views on YouTube.
On being shortlisted, Mabel said: “Being nominated for the Critics’ Choice award really is a dream come true for me. So much hard work has gone into getting to this point, so to be acknowledged by something like the BRIT Awards means the world.”
The 2018 Critics’ Choice Award winner will be announced on Monday 4 December, and will be the first recipient of the bespoke award designed by Sir Anish Kapoor.
The BRIT Awards 2018 with Mastercard - Celebrate with us on 21 February 2018!
