It's a fifth strike for the girls as Emeli Sande is named the winner of the 2012 Critics' Choice award in association with War Child.

The Scottish soul sensation follows previous female winners Jessie J (2011), Ellie Goulding (2010), Florence and The Machine (2009) and Adele (2008) to take the title.

Fellow nominees Maverick Sabre and Michael Kiwanuka place second and third respectively.

"To win a BRIT Award so early in my career is beyond a dream come true," says Emeli in an official statement. "I am overwhelmed to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. Thank you so much."

Speaking exclusively to brits.co.uk yesterday, Emeli also revealed that she was hoping to be sat with Ed Sheeran, Tinie Tempah and Nicki Minaj at the 2012 BRIT Awards show. We'll be sure to pass on the seating request...

The announcement of her triumph rounds of a massively successful year for the rising star, who before 2011 was most famous for contributing guest vocals to hits by Chipmunk and Wiley. Having previously penned tracks for the likes of Cheryl Cole, Susan Boyle and Tinie Tempah, she made her solo debut at No.2 in August 2011 with her single 'Heaven'. She followed this up with a No.1 duet, 'Read All About It', with rapper Professor Green. Her new single 'Daddy' is out now.

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. The BRITs are working alongside the charity and the annual War Child gig, now in its fourth year. 

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