U.K. Singer-Songwriter James Bay Wins Brits Critics’ Choice Award

James Bay, a 24-year-old British singer-songwriter, has been awarded the 2015 Brits Critics’ Choice prize, which is often seen as a forecaster of future success.

The award, chosen by U.K. industry experts, is only open to artists due to release their debut album the following year. Bay’s debut is set to come out in the spring, while the musician will collect his award, designed by artist Tracey Emin, at the Brit Awards on Feb. 25.

While Bay might not be a particularly familiar face internationally, previous winners of the Critics’ Choice Award have included the likes of Adele, who won the first prize in 2008, Ellie Goulding and Emili Sande. The 2014 award went to Sam Smith, whose album In the Lonely Hour went on to become the U.K. best-selling debut of the year. Smith is now rumored to be singing the title song for the upcoming 24th James Bond film, Spectre.