Conor Maynard wins MTV newcomer prize

Conor Maynard won over fans after posting videos of him singing well known songs online

Singer Conor Maynard has been unveiled as the winner of MTV's Brand New: For 2012 competition.

The 19-year-old beat a shortlist of nine other nominated artists, including King Charles and Lana Del Rey, who came second and third respectively.

His debut single is yet to be released, but he has already notched up millions of hits on YouTube.

The singer was voted into first place after MTV opened an online poll. He received 50% of the votes.

'Incredible talent'

The musician said topping the poll was an "amazing feeling".

He added: "I can't thank the fans and viewers enough for voting, and MTV for selecting me in the first place. Hope this is the first success of many to come."

Maynard first gained recognition after he posted videos of himself singing cover versions of hits by Kings Of Leon, Rihanna and others to YouTube.

He has now signed a record deal with Parlophone Records and will release his first single, Can't Say No, in April.

MTV's director of talent and music programming Matt Cook said the up-and-coming artist "demonstrates incredible talent".

Clement Marfo & the Frontline and Angel were voted into fourth and fifth place in the poll.

At number six was Delilah, who is also known as Paloma Stoeker, followed by Charli XCX.

Soulful singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, who topped the BBC's Sound of 2012, was number eight in the list, with Lianne La Havas in ninth place.

In November, MTV's talent launched a competition to find an unsigned act to compete against the more well-known musicians on its shortlist.

MC and producer Context was announced as the winner but eventually took tenth place in the overall list.