Tom Odell has been named the Critics' Choice winner at the BRIT Awards, which take place in February 2013.
The singer-songwriter, who is set to release his debut album in the New Year, follows in the footsteps of previous winners, including Adele and Emeli Sande.
"I'm thrilled and honoured to win the BRITs Critics' Choice Award. I genuinely can't believe it. Thank you so much," Tom, 22, said.
"Looking at the list of amazing female artists who have won the Award already, I just hope I don’t let the boys down!”
Tom is the first male winner of the award, which has also been won by Jessie J, Florence + The Machine and Ellie Goulding, and beat competition from AlunaGeorge and Laura Mvula to claim the prize.
The Critics' Choice award is for British acts tipped by critics for mainstream success in the forthcoming year who are yet to release their debut album.
The BRIT Awards will take place at the O2 Arena on 20th February, with James Corden once again returning as host.
Meanwhile, the full category list for the 2013 BRIT Awards has been announced, and marks the return of the Best British Live Act category.
Full category list:
British Male Solo Artist British Female Solo Artist British Breakthrough Act British Group British Live Act Critics’ Choice British Single MasterCard British Album of the Year BRITs Global Success British Producer Of The Year International Male Solo Artist International Female Solo Artist International Group Special Recognition Award - To be awarded to War Child
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