Brits Awards 2016 critics' choice: Who are shortlisted singers Izzy Bizu, Jack Garratt and Frances?

The three shortlisted acts for the Brits 2016 critics' choice award have been announced, with Frances, Izzy Bizu and Jack Garratt taking the final places. Adele, Sam Smith and Florence And The Machine are among the previous winners, so the pressure is on to find the artist hotly tipped for success over the next 12 months.

The winner will be announced on 27 November and will receive their award during the official Brit award ceremony in February 2016. Reacting to the news of her nomination, Bizu said: "I'm so honoured to be nominated for the Brits Critics' Choice Award this year, following in the footsteps of amazingly talented artists like Adele, Emeli Sande and James Bay so thank you. I grew up watching the Brits on the TV at home so it's pretty exciting to be a part of it!"

Bizu will be fending off competition from Garratt, who said of being shortlisted: "It's such a significant award that highlights the importance of new music, so it's a genuine honour to have been nominated alongside some other incredible new acts from the UK."

Fellow nominee Frances added: "It's amazing to be a part of something that has included so many of my idols and musical inspirations. An amazing feeling. Thank you."

The Brits have provided a platform for rising stars since 2008 when the critics' choice category was introduced. Adele was crowned the first winner, while the likes of Ellie Goulding and Jessie J have also received the accolade and gone on to have platinum-selling careers. Bizu, Garratt and Frances are new faces to the scene, so IBTimes UK takes a look at the people behind the music...

Izzy Bizu

Age: 21

Hometown: London

Bizu, who is of Ethiopian descent, grew up listening to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown, which explains the soulful undertones of her music. In a case of the right place at the right time, she won an open mic competition in 2013 with Emeli Sande and Naughty Boy in the audience. In June 2014, Bizu was chosen by BBC Introducing to perform at Glastonbury festival and she signed to Epic Records UK the following month.

The singer has supported both Rudimental and Foxes on their tours and gave her debut live TV performance on Later With Jools Holland in September. Bizu is set to release her debut album, A Moment Of Madness, in 2016 following on from the release of her singles Give Me Love, Diamond and Adam & Eve.

Jack Garratt

Age: 24

Hometown: Buckinghamshire

Record label: Island Records

Garratt has the full attention of the music industry with Zane Lowe naming the singer's 2014 single Worry as his Next Hype track, which introduced the hopeful to a whole new audience. The musician can count legendary US music producer Rick Rubin as a fan and has supported Grammy-winning folk band Mumford & Sons on tour. With a huge buzz growing, Garratt is set to release his debut album, Phase, on 19 February 2016, just in time for the Brits.

Frances

Age: 22

Hometown: Berkshire

Record label: Capitol Records

Frances has already enjoyed a ton of success, including a BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge performance and supporting 2015's critics' choice winner James Bay on tour. The talented pianist drummed up a storm of acclaim with her single Let It Out, which does not sound too far off from the music recorded by her inspiration, Adele. Frances' debut album, Borrowed Time, is set for release on 15 January 2016, while the title track was co-written with Howard Lawrence from electro duo Disclosure.

The Brit Awards 2016 will take place on Wednesday 24 February 2016, broadcast live on ITV from London's O2 Arena with Ant and Dec returning to host.

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