Ellie Goulding, a folk-inspired singer who was spotted at a university talent show, is set to be the sound of 2010 after winning the Critics’ Choice Brit Award.

The honour for most promising newcomer previously catapulted Adele and Florence and the Machine to stardom. Goulding, 22, is yet to make the Top 40 but will collect her prize at the Brit Awards ceremony next February. Goulding, from Hereford, has impressed critics with her ethereal vocal style and songs about obsessive love, which mix folk and electronic musical styles.

She was spotted at a talent show at Canterbury Christ Church University, and was was taken on by Polydor Records, where she is a “priority act” for 2010.

Goulding said: “When I found out, I had a little squeal, I had a little cry and I had a little fall down. I didn’t believe it at first, but now that it’s sunk in I am delighted and utterly honoured to have been given this award. I couldn’t be more happy and thankful to everyone right now.”

Goulding’s debut single, Under the Sheets, was played on BBC Radio 1 and she has also appeared on Later with Jools Holland. Her debut album is out in March, with a new single to be released a week after the Brit Awards, which take place on February 16.

timeonline.co.uk 11/12/09