Emeli Sande, Maverick Sabre and Michael Kiwanuka have been announced as the three artists in the running for the Critics' Choice award in association with War Child at the 2012 BRIT Awards with MasterCard.

These three, hotly tipped newcomers are vying to take the title that has been won previously by Adele, Ellie Goulding, Florence & The Machine and Jessie J. The winner will be announced on 15 December 2011.

Scottish r&b sensation Emeli Sande has already experienced Top Ten success with her solo debut 'Heaven' and chart topping Professor Green duet, 'Read All About It'. She has also made her name as a songwriter, having penned tracks for Susan Boyle, Cheryl Cole and Cher Lloyd, among others.

London/Irish urbanite Maverick Sabre mixes sweet soul vocals with a streetwise sound, and enjoyed two top twenty singles in 2011 with both 'Let Me Go' and 'I Need'. Another prolific collaborator, Sabre has previously hooked up with Chase & Status and Professor Green on their most recent album releases.

Heart warming soul is the order of the day from Michael Kiwanuka, whose classy acoustic sound has gained this young Londoner comparisons to music greats such as Otis Redding and Bill Withers. As well as releasing two critically acclaimed EPs in 2011, Kiwanuka also supported Adele on her UK and US tours.

For the third year running, the Critics' Choice Award will also be presented in association with War Child, an international charity that protects children living in the world’s most dangerous war zones.

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