Singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding has won the Brit Awards Critics’ Choice prize for the act most likely to break through next year.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Hereford, was chosen by a panel of newspaper, magazine and website editors and record label bosses.
“When I found out, I had a little squeal, I had a little cry and I had a little fall down,” she said.
Florence and the Machine and Adele are previous winners of the award.

Goulding said: “I didn’t believe it at first but now that it’s sunk in I am delighted and utterly honoured to have been given this award.
“I couldn’t be more happy and thankful to everyone right now.”
On website Twitter, she added: “Er, I won a bloody Brit Award.”


She will perform at the Brit Awards nomination launch on 18 January and will pick up her award at the main ceremony on 16 February.
Goulding, who recently toured the UK supporting Little Boots, released debut single Under The Sheets in September and appeared on Later… With Jools Holland at the end of November.

Her second single, Starry Eyed, will be released in February followed by her debut album a month later.
Indie-electronica band Delphic were runners-up in the shortlist followed by Marina and the Diamonds – the recording name of flamboyant singer Marina Diamandis.
All three feature on the longlist for the BBC’s Sound of 2010, designed to highlight the most exciting musical talent for the coming year.

The artists have been picked by 165 UK-based tastemakers.

The 15 acts in contention were announced on Monday while the top five and winner will be revealed in January.