Ellie Goulding wins Brit Awards prize

Ellie Goulding, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter who released her first single only two months ago, has won a Brit Award. Goulding, who is from Hereford, has won the Brit Awards Critics' Choice prize for the act most likely to break through next year. Previous winners include Adele and Florence and the Machine.

Goulding released her debut single Under the Sheets in September. She was chosen for the award by a panel of newspaper, magazine and website editors and record label bosses. Indie-electronica band Delphic were runners-up in the shortlist followed by Marina and the Diamonds, aka flamboyant singer Marina Diamandis.

Goulding said: "When I found out, I had a little squeal, I had a little cry and I had a little fall down. I couldn't be more happy and thankful to everyone right now." Writing on her Twitter page she said: "Er, I won a bloody Brit Award."

Goulding's second single, Starry Eyed, will be released in February followed by her debut album a month later.

The Critics' Choice award for emerging acts is announced two months before the main Brit Award nominations are announced on January 18. Goulding will perform at that event and pick up her award at the main ceremony on February 16.