[Shaun]

Three new acts are being tipped for success in 2015 after being shortlisted for the Brits Critics' Choice Award.

George The Poet, James Bay and three-piece group Years and Years will battle for the honour.

The winner will be announced on 4 December and will receive their trophy, designed by Tracey Emin, at the main Brit awards ceremony on 25 February.

Previous Critics' Choice winners include Emeli Sande, Jessie J and Adele, who won the first award in 2008.

"I still can't believe it. As much as I hoped, being nominated for the Brits Critics' Choice Award is not something I ever imagined would actually happen. What a huge honour," 24-year-old Bay said.

The singer-songwriter has been supporting acts including 2013 winner Tom Odell and John Newman.

George The Poet, 23, said: "I feel privileged to have been shortlisted for the Brits Critics' Choice Award. I always dreamed of reaching people and this nomination shows me that I'm on track."

The act has already featured on records by Labrinth, Sande, Paolo Nutini and Naughty Boy.

London trio Years and Years added: "We're so grateful to be making music and having this sort of recognition is crazy and ridiculous and nuts in a really good way."

The group released their debut single Real earlier this year and have toured with Clean Bandit and Sam Smith.

Youtube video

Youtube video

Youtube video

Thoughts? I believe Bay's on course to enter the top 20 in the singles chart this week with the song above, as are Years & Years.

I'm not that interested in any of them judging by these songs :/ Bay's is the best, probably.

[Locke.]

I think this is the first time I've actually known one..

I've seen George the Poet perform a couple of times but I have no recollection of where. He's decent.

[Black Dagger]

Knew James Bay would get this sort of recognition next year

Fully expect him to win the sound of poll as well.

He is good though..

[Brother Leon]

Yes George. Well deserved.

[Shaun]

I liked George on the Naughty Boy album but that song

[Black Dagger]

What even is it

Is Motivational rap a genre?

[JoshBB]

Are they supposed to be ones that people don't know much??

[Black Dagger]

Yeah

Everyone that has won it has had a decent amount of success, they haven't had a dud yet that just flopped.

[Brother Leon]

Originally Posted by _LucasMichael_

What even is it

Is Motivational rap a genre?

It's Poetry. Please show respect.



But, yeah. Not all rap has to be abou guns and drugs lol

[Shaun]

Artist Tracey Emin's creative take on the Brits trophy has been unveiled ahead of 2015's ceremony.

Emin called her design - which features a handwritten message and a patchwork rosette - "really Tracey-ish".

Emin, probably best known for her unmade bed installation, said she wanted 2015's winners to have something "special" at the 25 February ceremony.

The award-winning artist follows in the footsteps of Dame Vivienne Westwood and last year's designer, Philip Treacy.

"You want to do it really well," said Emin of her design. "You don't just want to decorate it.

"You want to make something that is really Tracey-ish, that is special for the people receiving it."

The artist's handwritten message to winners reads: "Congratulations on your talent on your life. On everything you give to others. Thank You."

The 'blank canvas' trophy was previously reworked by Damien Hirst, another so-called YBA - young British artist - in 2013.

Pop artist Sir Peter Blake, best known for designing The Beatles' Sgt Pepper album cover, did the honours in 2012.

Emin's most famous artworks include 1998's Turner Prize-nominated My Bed, which sold at auction earlier this year for £2.2m.

The artist, who recently designed the artwork for the Band Aid 30 charity single, was made a CBE by the Queen in 2012 for her contribution to the visual arts.

"Tracey's design is characteristically bold, brilliant, colourful and inventive - everything the Brits stands for," said Brits chairman Max Lousada.

"We're honoured to work with her and delighted to be able to celebrate the achievements of the Brit Awards winners with such a unique and special trophy."

how pretty.

[Braden]

I look forward to seeing the trophy design every year, possibly moreso than the actual event.

It is rather lovely.

[Black Dagger]

How lovely. Hopefully my Ben Howard will be picking up another couple and annoying Olly Murs dad again.

[Samm]

Lily would look lovely with that trophy in her hand

[Tom4784]

'Previous Critics' Choice winners include Emeli Sande, Jessie J and Adele, who won the first award in 2008.'

Ha2 at that Tom Odell shade.

I don't like the flowery bit on the trophy but everything else about it is qt.

[Shaun]

I know they haven't done nominees yet but it's probably going to be

Bloke: Ed Sheeran
Bird: Rita / Jessie
Band: One Direction
Album: Ed Sheeran
Single: Rather Be / Stay With Me
Newbie: Sam Smith

Int. Bloke: Drake?
Int. Bird: Iggy
Int. Band: Maroon 5
Video: Chandelier but if it's just for brits then probably Steal My Girl
Made-Up Poncey Award Because They're There on The Night: Take That
Critics Choice: Years+Years

[Shaun]

Singer-songwriter James Bay has been awarded the Brits Critics' Choice prize for 2015.

The 24-year-old beat fellow nominees George The Poet and trio Years and Years to win the award, which tips future success.

Chosen by industry experts, the prize is only open to new artists who will release their debut album next year.

Bay will formally receive his trophy - designed by Tracey Emin - at the Brit Awards on 25 February.

"I'm pretty speechless," Bay 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.

"I'm really chuffed, thank you to everyone who has supported me."

The singer has already performed to thousands, supporting acts including 2013 Critics' Choice winner Tom Odell and John Newman.

His debut album is due to be released in the spring and he will perform at the Brits nomination party next month along with FKA Twigs and Clean Bandit.

Previous Critics' Choice winners include Emeli Sande, Jessie J and Adele, who won the first award in 2008.

Smith was this year's recipient and his album, In The Lonely Hour, went on to become 2014's best-selling debut.

The 22-year-old also topped the BBC's Sound of 2014 list, and scooped four prizes at the Mobo awards.

Bay and runners-up George The Poet and Years and Years also feature on the longlist for the BBC's Sound Of 2015.

The winner of the BBC poll will be announced on 9 January.

Get ready to be sick of the sight of him in 12 months time.

[Black Dagger]

Tom Odell <3. Was hardly shade though when they didn't reference Florence, Jessie J or Sam Smith either

Oh he is lovely tbf, but the Critics could mix it up a bit ffs

[Iceman]

The line up for this is horrific. I'll watch Royal Blood but don't think I'll be watching the whole show. And can Ant and Dec **** off for a bit. They've become stale

[LukeB]

My Predictions

British Solo Male: Ed Sheeran
British Solo Female: Paloma Faith
British Group: Royal Blood
International Group: First Aid Kit
British Breakthrough Act: Sam Smith
MasterCard British Album of the Year: Ed Sheeran - X
British Single of the Year: Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars – "Uptown Funk"
International Male Solo Artist: Pharrell Williams
International Female Solo Artist: Taylor Swift
British Video: Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars – "Uptown Funk"
British Producer of the Year : Alison Goldfrapp & Will Gregory

[Vanessa]

I love Ed Sheeran.

[LukeB]

same! his album slayed the charts too

[Shaun]

right then

[Braden]

ugh Ant & Dec

[LukeB]

Taylor Swift

[Shaun]

ITV squeezing their contract for all it's worth it seems

I prefer the presenting of the BRITS to be famously awkward...