Singer/songwriter James Bay has been named the latest recipient of the BRIT Awards Critics' Choice prize.

Bay beat out shortlisted acts George The Poet and Years & Years to land the coveted honour, which has previously been won by Emeli Sande, Ellie Goulding, Adele and Sam Smith, on Wednesday (03Dec14).

The winner is chosen by a panel of music industry experts.

Bay, who has yet to release his debut album, will perform at the Brits nomination party next month (Jan15), alongside FKA Twigs and Clean Bandit.

He says, "I'm pretty speechless. After all the years I've spent watching the Brits and even after this year; watching my fan base grow so much, I never thought I'd actually be getting an award myself."

The 2015 BRIT Awards will be held at the O2 Arena in London on 25 February (15).