A PROMISING singer-songwriter has been named as one of three nominees for the prestigious BRIT Critics’ Choice Award.

James Bay, who studied at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM), is in with a chance to join the likes of Adele (2008), Florence and the Machine (2009) and Emeli Sande (2012), who are all previous winners.

Speaking yesterday, the 22-year-old said: “I still can’t believe it. As much as I hoped, being nominated for the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award is not something I ever imagined would actually happen. What a huge honour.”

Born in Hertfordshire, he moved to Brighton to study at the music college.

Since graduating he has gone on to support the likes of Irish singer Hozier, chart topping John Newman and BIMM’s very own Tom Odell.

He also performed for Fearne Cotton in the Radio One Live Lounge and shared a bill with the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park.

His distinctive gravelly voice has won him an army of loyal fans with 2015 set to be his breakthrough year.

BIMM has a good record with the BRIT Critics’ Choice Award with former student Tom Odell winning the gong in 2013.

The two other acts up for the award are London trio Years & Years and spoken word artist George The Poet.

The latter will be appearing in Brighton on February 25 at The Haunt.

The winner will be announced on Thursday, December 4 before the award ceremony at London’s O2 in February.

Ian Sillett, who was head of song writing when James was at BIMM Brighton, described him as the “perfect student”.

He said: “Not only is he extremely talented but he is a lovely guy.

“As soon as he started we knew he was something special – he is an incredible guitar player, he has that style and of course there’s the voice.

“He has worked hard for it, he has gigged all over and taken onboard as much advice and help as possible.

“2015 is going to be a huge year for him and he deserves all the success he gets.”

It has been quite a week for the 22-year-old, who just days earlier was nominated for MTV’s Brand New 2015 award.

He joins his fellow BRIT nominees as well as seven others on the shortlist. Voting for the award begins on December 1. Visit mtv.co.uk.