MUMBAI: Jack Garratt, singer/songwriter and producer, has been voted winner of the Brits 2016 critics’ choice award. The 24-year-old from Buckinghamshire, England, came out on top of his contemporaries- 22-year-old singer/songwriter and pianist, Frances, and 21-year-old soul-pop singer, Izzy Bizu.

Accepting his award, Garratt said, “I am so humbled to have received this year's Brits critics' choice award. To have been nominated alongside Frances and Izzy Bizu was already a huge honour and a testament to the calibre of new UK music. To have been given this award is truly mind-blowing, considering I am one name in a hugely exciting time for music in this country. Thank you to everyone who voted, it means so much to me.”

Garratt, who is signed to Island Records, managed more sold out shows, streams and sales as compared to his two competitors. And under the record label, he will release his debut album ‘Phase’ on 19 February 2016. The singer will also support Grammy winning British band- Mumford & Sons on its upcoming UK arena tour, and will embark on a headliner tour next year.

Should history repeat itself, Garratt could very well become a big name in the music industry, considering the footsteps he is following in. Previous winners of the award include James Bay, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, and Adele, who won the award when it was first launched in 2008.

The recipient of the Brits critics' choice award is selected by a panel comprising music industry experts including radio staff, and music editors of websites, magazines and newspapers. The award was launched with an aim to highlight and identify rising stars in British music.