The BRIT Awards have announced the winner for the highly acclaimed Critics’ Choice Award for 2019. Newcastle-based musician Sam Fender joins previous winners such as Adele and Sam Smith, so we can expect big things in the coming years!
Sam has toured the UK and Europe in recent years, building up a strong army of fans with his songs. The Geordie singer recently released debut EP ‘Dead Boys’ which is a mighty statement of intent, recorded in his warehouse studio just a stone’s throw from the River Tyne.
Speaking about winning the award, Sam Fender said, “I am truly humbled to win the BRITs Critics’ Choice award. Being nominated was crazy enough, never mind winning it. I’m so grateful to everyone back home for believing, and to my band and team for all their hard work. We've played literally hundreds of shows this year, and we're going to go even harder in 2019. Most importantly, a big shout to my fans. I've met a lot of you over the last few years and it’s truly an honour to get up and play night after night to such a wonderful bunch of people. To everyone who’s taken a punt on me so far, thank you. Here's to next year!"
The BRITs Critics' Choice Award has kick-stared the careers of some very successful artists in previous years. The likes of Adele, Sam Smith, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, James Bay and Florence and the Machine have all won the award in the past.
Check out all of the past winners:
BRITs Critics' Choice 2008 - 2019 stacked
1 of 122008 - Adele
2 of 122009 - Florence + The Machine
3 of 122010 - Ellie Goulding
4 of 122011 - Jessie J
5 of 122012 - Emeli Sandé
6 of 122013 - Tom Odell
7 of 122014 - Sam Smith
8 of 122015 - James Bay
9 of 122016 - Jack Garratt
10 of 122017 - Rag ’n’ Bone Man
11 of 122018 - Jorja Smith
12 of 12Sam Fender, 2019
Sam Fender has become hugely popular over the last couple of years, so it's no surprise he won the award in 2019. His debut album 'Hypersonic Missiles' was adored by fans. Sam dropped his second album ' Seventeen Going Under' in October 2021.
Comedian Jack Whitehall has been confirmed as the host of the BRIT Awards 2019. After presenting this year's awards, which went down very well with viewers, he has announced his return to the show.
Speaking about his return, Jack said, "I am excited to be invited back to host The BRITs for a second time, I had a great time at this year’s ceremony and look forward to another exceptional night of music and entertainment."
Meanwhile, earlier this week, the design for the the new award was revealed to the public. The stunning award is cast from solid glass and designed by Sir David Adjaye OBE. Sir David is one of the world’s leading architects and has won projects around the world as well as being the founder and principal architect of Adjaye Associates.
Speaking of the new design Sir David said, "The BRIT Awards are a quintessential part of a celebration of British talent and a powerful forum to really talk about the evolving nature of British culture and the contribution of people to that culture."
The BRIT Awards 2019 with Mastercard take place on Wednesday 20th February.