Review: Emeli Sande Tops Bill For MTV Brand New For 2012 Final Gig

Emeli Sande headlined the final night of MTV's Brand New For 2012 live gigs on Wednesday night, putting on a show-stopping performance at London's KoKo.

The Scottish singer and song-writer was supported by brand new nominees Delilah and Michael Kiwanuka at the exclusive showcase held in the heart of Camden.

The Heaven hitmaker took to the stage in a stylish red leather jacket and black skirt combo to sing a selection of her biggest tracks from her debut album Our Version of Events including Tiger and Where I sleep to name but a few.

After an exhilarating start, she delivered an energy-filled performance and charmed the KoKo audience with her mesmerising stage presence.

The crowd went wild when she tore in her smash hit Heaven and they could be seen singing along for most of the song. Meanwhile, other crowd pleasers included her new single Next To You and smash hit Daddy.

At one point the singer told the audience how honoured she felt to be sharing the stage with such "amazing new talent".

Sande also treated the crowd to an eclectic of choruses from songs that she had featured on including Professor Green's Read all about it and Wiley's Never be your woman.

Delivering a stellar set and wearing a blazer and jeans, British soul artist Michael Kiwanuka warmed up the crowd for Sande.

Kiwanuka, who was recently crowned the BBC Sound of 2012 winner, performed tracks including Home Again and I'm Getting Ready proving that he is definitely one of the artists to watch

this year.

Meanwhile, rising talent Delilah, pulled off an impressive performance when she belted out tracks from her debut album, From The Roots Up, which is out later this year.

Tipped as the next big thing, the 21-year-old singer, who recently toured with electronic live band Chase & Status, performed songs including So I stay and Go as well as her own rendition of Jean Jacques Smoothie's dance track, Two People.

Backed by an impression live band and dressed in a figure hugging yellow dress and black Dr Marten boots and her hair tied up in a stylish bow, the Londoner delivered songs that were filled with lot of bass and as well as energy.

Now in its fifth year, MTV Brand New has established itself as a leading showcase for new music and emerging talent.

The annual viewer-led search for the very best in new music has successfully identified international talent, with Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Ke$ha selected for 'Brand New' prior to their debut releases.

Last year, Jessie J, Tinchy Stryder and UK grime rapper Devlin stole the show at the MTV Brand New for 2011 showcase.

Tuesdays night saw a headline performance from indie rocker The Maccabees in addition to an exclusive showcase from Charlie XCX. New York singer Lana Del Rey was forced to pull out in the 11<sup>th hour after being taken ill.

Highlights from the live show on January 24 will premiere on MTV Music on February 4 at 11.30pm, and MTV Rocks on February 7 at 9pm. Highlights from the second show will premiere on MTV Music on February 4 at 11pm and MTV Hits on February 18 at 7pm.