Singer Sam Smith claims BBC accolade

Sam Smith holds his Critics' Choice Brit Award. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Brit winner Sam Smith has collected another accolade after triumphing in the BBC's annual poll to find the top acts for the year ahead.

The 21-year-old, who tasted chart success as guest vocalist on Naughty Boy's number one hit La La La, topped the BBC Sound Of 2014 list.

Smith has already taken the Brit Awards Critics' Choice prize and was given his trophy at the event's nominations launch party last night.

He said of his latest honour: "I'm completely speechless. The shortlist is full of so many talented artists and it's a huge compliment to be recognised by the industry and the BBC in this way. I'm completely overwhelmed."

Smith issued his first solo release in October of last year, called Nirvana, and releases a single Money On My Mind next month.

Second in the Sound list - drawn up by DJs and music critics - was Ella Eyre - who was also shortlisted for the Critics' Choice award.

Previous winners of the BBC title include Jessie J, Ellie Goulding and Adele.