Music star of tomorrow: Sam Smith named BBC Sound of 2014

BBC’s Sound of 2014, which recognises the best new artists, has named pop singer Sam Smith as this year’s winner.

15:32 10 January 2014

Pop singer Sam Smith is the winner of BBC Sound of 2014. The prestigious award honours the best new artists via information from UK-based critics, broadcasters, and bloggers. Previous winners include Adele, Ellie Goulding, and Jessie J.

21-year-old Sam Smith who came from Cambridgeshire said he did not expect to win. He added:

"I'm completely speechless. It's a huge compliment to be recognised by the industry and the BBC in this way. I really didn’t expect it.”

"Being amongst names like Ellie, Jessie J, Adele is just incredible because they inspire my music so much."

Sam’s biggest break took place in 2012 when he was featured as a vocalist on Latch, by Mercury-nominated dance act Disclosure. His single made it in the UK top 40 for five peaks peaking at number 11.

The station's head of music, George Ergatoudis said: "Sam Smith is blessed with a distinctive mellifluous voice that imbues his lyrics with real emotion and soul.”

"The public are looking for authentic artists with genuine talent and Sam more than fits the bill. He is going to enjoy huge success this year."