Nineteen year old singer songwriter ADELE will be presented with the first ever Critics Choice award at the Brits next year. Music journalist types were invited to vote for the brand new Brit Award, which is designed to champion brand new talent yet to release their first album. Adele was announced as the winner of the new prize via the new look Brit Awards website today, but will be presented with her gong at the main Brit Awards on 20 Feb.
Confirming ADELE was the winner, BRITs Committee chairman Ged Doherty told CMU: "Huge congratulations to ADELE. I know the competition was fierce in this, the inaugural year of this award, and she is a worthy winner".
ADELE herself added: "I'm really chuffed and flattered to have won the new category. It's fantastic to have lots of people supporting me and nice to know. I've always wanted a BRIT award and I'm made up to be getting one so early on! Thank you very much to everyone who voted!"
Other serious contenders for the new prize were Duffy and those rather fine Foals (who, FYI, got the CMU vote). The new look BRITS website is now live at http://www.brits.co.uk.