Soul singer Celeste Waite has been named the winner of the Brits rising star award. The 25-year-old described the prize as “a huge honour”, citing a childhood spent watching and being inspired by performers at the annual music awards ceremony.

She beat fellow nominees Beabadoobee, a solo indie artist signed to the 1975’s label, Dirty Hit, and jazz-influenced songwriter Joy Crookes. Formerly known as the Brits critics’ choice award, the prize has previously predicted the success of artists including Florence + the Machine, Sam Smith, Adele and Sam Fender.

Born in Los Angeles, Celeste moved to Brighton with her mother as an infant. She began writing music and performing in bands as a teenager. Age 16, she was discovered by a manager after she posted her first song online. He encouraged her to take professional writing classes; she started working with writers and producers at Trevor Horn’s Sarm studios.

Celeste: Strange – video

Lily Allen signed Celeste to her label Bank Holiday Records, an imprint of Warner UK, and released her debut EP, Milk & Honey, in 2017. The following year, Celeste signed to Polydor. Her single Strange made the Radio 1 playlist, and she was recently named BBC Music Introducing artist of the year.

She cites artists including Billie Holiday, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Diana Ross, Rosalía and Tyler the Creator as influences, and has supported Michael Kiwanuka, Janelle Monáe and Neneh Cherry live. After selling out all of her 2019 London shows, a date at Shepherds Bush Empire in April 2020 also sold out in a few days.

Celeste will perform at the Brit awards on 18 February 2020.