Sam Smith wins Brits Critics' Choice award

Smith's trophy was designed by milliner Philip Treacy

Singer-songwriter Sam Smith has won the Brits Critics' Choice award, which will be presented to him during next year's Brits nominations in January.

The award is open to artists who will release their debut albums in 2014.

21-year-old Smith has already performed with Mercury nominees Disclosure and sang on the number one single La La La by British producer Naughty Boy.

He beat shortlisted artists Chloe Howl and Ella Eyre to claim the prize, won previously by Adele and Jessie J.

This year's nominees all feature on the BBC's Sound of 2014 longlist, whose winner will be revealed on 10 January, 2014.

Smith is set to release his debut single Money On My Mind in February with an album is expected in Spring.

He picks up his prize at the Brit nominations, hosted by Radio 1 breakfast host Nick Grimshaw, at ITV Studios on 9 January.

The annual award ceremony takes place at London's O2 Arena on 19 February, with Katy Perry and Arctic Monkeys confirmed to play on the night.

Arctic Monkeys, One Direction and Ellie Goulding are all expected to feature amongst the nominees.

Universal Music will also release a compilation featuring all the artists who have been shortlisted for the Critics' Choice award since it launched in 2008.