Sam Smith and The Vamps on 2014 MTV Brand New list

The Vamps' debut single, Can We Dance, entered the chart at number two

MTV has announced its Brand New shortlist for 2014.

Sam Smith, The Vamps and Ella Eyre, who sings on Rudimental's Waiting All Night, all appear in the list of acts predicted to be successful in the next 12 months.

Joel Compass, George Ezra and Kwabs, who have all appeared on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, also made the rundown.

The artists will go head-to-head in a public vote from 16 December, with the winner being announced in February.

Sam Smith featured on Naughty Boy's number one single La La La in May

Electronic singer-songwriter Banks, Brighton duo Royal Blood and London-based pop singer Elyar Fox also feature on the list of British musicians set for big things in 2014.

Marie Naffah beat hundreds of other applicants to become the third unsigned competition winner to complete the MTV Brand New shortlist.

The 21-year-old singer has been compared to Florence Welch and Laura Marling.

Ella Eyre's latest single Deeper was track of the day on Radio 1 on Wednesday

Last year's unsigned act, Ebony Day, topped the 2013 MTV Brand New poll.

The singer beat the likes of Angel Haze, Tom Odell, Kodaline and Gabrielle Aplin to claim the prize.

Past nominees include Haim, Lay Gaga, Justin Bieber and Tinie Tempah.

Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter