BRIT Awards 2015: Critics’ Choice nominees announced

The BRIT Awards have announced the shortlist for their 2015 Critics’ Choice prize.

George The Poet, James Bay and Years & Years have been nominated for the prestigious award, which is selected by music industry tastemakers. The winner will be announced on Thursday, December 4 before being presented with the trophy at the ceremony on February 25.

Reacting to the nomination, Electro-pop trio Years & Years said: "Having grown up watching the BRITs we're unbelievably honoured and to be honest quite overwhelmed to be included in the Critics’ Choice Award.

"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. Thanks BRITs!”

Spoken word artist George The Poet said he feels “privileged to have been shortlisted for the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award,” adding: “I always dreamed of reaching people and this nomination shows me that I’m on track.”

Singer/songwriter and guitarist James Bay described the nomination as a “huge honour”, revealing: “As much as I hoped, being nominated for the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award is not something I ever imagined would actually happen.”