Jorja Smith announced as BRITs Critics’ Choice Award winner for 2018

Jorja Smith has been announced as the Brits Critics’ Choice Award winner for 2018, after fending off competition from the likes of Mabel and Stefflon Don.
The award, which recognises “the future stars of British recording talent”, has previously been given to the likes of Adele (2008), Emeli Sandé (2012) and Sam Smith (2014). Rag’n’Bone Man took home the prize last year.

20-year-old Smith has now been tipped as a future star, having already featured on Drake’s More Life and released her own EP ‘Project 11’ in November 2016.

Describing the honour, the ‘On My Mind’ singer said: “I cannot believe it, it’s been an unforgettable 2017 during which I’ve fulfilled so many of my dreams and this is such a special way to end the year… and to be part of an all-female shortlist alongside Mabel and Stefflon Don, who’ve both had incredible 2017s, makes it even better!

“There’s lots more to come in 2018 from all of us and I will do my best to make it another memorable year!”

Brits chairman Jason Iley, who is also the chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, said: “The Critics’ Choice Award has an incredible track record of showcasing some of the most exciting up-and-coming artists for the last 10 years.

“Jorja Smith has a huge future ahead of her and looks set to follow in the footsteps of the most successful past Critics’ Choice winners.”

The Critics’ Choice prize is the first accolade to be announced before the official Brit Awards ceremony, which will take place at London’s O2 Arena on February 21, 2018.