Brits 2016: Critics Choice Shortlist Announced

Singer-producer Jack Garratt, soul-pop singer Izzy Bizu, and singer-songwriter Frances are nominated for the BRITs Critics Choice Award 2016.

Adele, Sam Smith and Florence and The Machine are among the previous winners.

Izzy Bizu, Jack Garratt and Frances are new faces to the scene so the pressure is on, to find the next best artist as the Brits are famously known to provide a platform for rising stars.

Jack Garratt and Frances are under Universal Labels while pop singer Izzy Bizu is signed to Sony Epic Record, making all three nominees signed to major labels.

Izzy Bizu is a 21-year-old British singer-songwriter whose musical influences ranges from Diana Ross to Sam Cook.

Sophie Frances Cooke (Frances), the 22-year-old singer is from Berkshire. Frances, who's released two EPs so far, also pricked the public's ears this year - with a cover of Justin Bieber's 'What Do You Mean?' in the Live Lounge and supported the former Critics Choice winner, James Bay. Her new single 'Borrowed Time' will be released under Capitol Records on January 15, 2016.

Perhaps the most established of the three nominees is Jack Garratt. The 23-year-old London based artist is a singer and producer who combines drum machines, keyboard and electric guitar. He already achieved considerable attention for his singles "Weathered" and "Worry."

Jack Garratt, Izzy Bizu, and Frances are due to release their debut albums next year.

The nominees are selected by a panel of music industry experts and tastemakers including music editors of national newspapers, magazines, websites and from major TV and radio stations.

The Critics Choice Award has been presented for the past seven years, with a prestigious line-up of former winners.

The former Critics Choice winner, James Bay, reached No.1 with his debut album,"Chaos And The Calm," in March - and it's gone on to become one of the biggest selling albums of 2015.

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