Sam Smith, vocalist and collaborator with the likes of Naughty Boy and Disclosure, has been named as winner of the BBC Sound of 2014.
The 21 year singer songwriter topped the charts with Naughty Boy’s La La La in May last year, hit the top twenty with Disclosure and their single Latch and released his debut solo EP Nirvana in October.
He was chosen as winner ahead of fellow emerging new talents Ella Eyre, BANKS and Sampha.
Commenting on winning the prize, Sam said: ‘I'm completely speechless. The shortlist is full of so many talented artists and it's a huge compliment to be recognised by the industry and the BBC in this way. I'm completely overwhelmed!’
170 UK tastemakers, including DJs, critics and bloggers, were asked by the BBC to pick their top three acts they tipped for the top in 2014.
Last year’s winners were LA pop band HAIM. The trio went on to have a number one in October with their debut album Days Are Gone. Previous winners of the prize include Adele, Jessie J and Ellie Goulding.
The top five for this year’s poll is below
1. Sam Smith
2. Ella Eyre
3. BANKS
4. Sampha
5. George Ezra
The 21 year singer songwriter topped the charts with Naughty Boy’s La La La in May last year, hit the top twenty with Disclosure and their single Latch and released his debut solo EP Nirvana in October.
He was chosen as winner ahead of fellow emerging new talents Ella Eyre, BANKS and Sampha.
Commenting on winning the prize, Sam said: ‘I'm completely speechless. The shortlist is full of so many talented artists and it's a huge compliment to be recognised by the industry and the BBC in this way. I'm completely overwhelmed!’
170 UK tastemakers, including DJs, critics and bloggers, were asked by the BBC to pick their top three acts they tipped for the top in 2014.
Last year’s winners were LA pop band HAIM. The trio went on to have a number one in October with their debut album Days Are Gone. Previous winners of the prize include Adele, Jessie J and Ellie Goulding.
The top five for this year’s poll is below
1. Sam Smith
2. Ella Eyre
3. BANKS
4. Sampha
5. George Ezra
