The three-act shortlist for the Next Big Thing award features current internet sensation Lana Del Rey, fast-rising UK singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé and Frank Ocean, a founding member of US rap collective Odd Future.
The shortlist was selected from a long-list drawn up by Q by an esteemed judging panel made up of Radio 1’s Zane Lowe, The Sun’s Gordon Smart, live music supreme Jeremy Thomas and Q’s Editor In Chief Paul Rees.
Commenting on the shortlist Paul Rees says: “Q is incredibly excited about the three acts on the Next Big Thing shortlist. We believe they’re reflective of all that is good about music right here and now. We’re certain each of these three artists will go on to great things during the year ahead – there’s no doubt each could be a Q magazine cover star during that time.”
Showbiz editor of The Sun, Gordon Smart, sums up the judging process by saying: "The Jaffa Cakes hadn't even been cracked open by the time we selected our shortlist. Unanimous decisions don't get more unanimous. Three artists stood head and shoulders above the rest. It goes without saying they all have a very bright future indeed."
About The Shortlist
Lana Del Ray
Hailing from Lake Placid on the outer edges of New York State, Lana Del Rey describes her music as Hollywood Sadcore – and has also been hailed as “the gangsta Nancy Sinatra”. The singer-songwriter’s self-made videos have caused a sensation – with the clip for ‘Video Games’ alone attracting more than 2 million views on YouTube.
Emeli Sande
Emeli Sandé has already collaborated with some of pop’s brightest new voices – the likes of Professor Green, Chipmunk and Wiley among them. Having also written songs for the varied likes of Tinie Tempah, Chery Cole and Susan Boyle, the 24-year-old Scot will release her own eagerly awaited debut album in January 2012.
Frank Ocean
A founding member of the alternative hip-hop collective OFWGKTA (also known as Odd Future), Frank Ocean made his name appearing on mixtapes and writing for the likes of Beyonce, Justin Bieber and John Legend. But it was his recent guest slot on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s ‘Watch The Throne’ album that has raised anticipation for his debut album to fever pitch.
The winner of the Next Big Thing award will be announced at the Q Awards 2011, which take place at London’s Grovesnor Hotel on the afternoon of Monday, 24th October. One of the most prestigious and star-studded events on the music calendar, the Q Awards will once again celebrate the best new music of the last 12 months.
The Q Awards 2011 will also mark the climax of Q’s 25th anniversary year. The ceremony itself will conclude with a special award – for the Greatest Act Of The Last 25 Years (presented by BlackBerry). The award is voted for by Q’s readers from a shortlist of 25 acts, and celebrates the band or act who have had the most significant influence on Q’s musical landscape.
