Jessie J Wins BBC Sound of 2011

With her single ‘Do it like a dude’ being played more and more on the Radio we’re likely to be hearing a lot more from Jessie J as she’s announced the winner of BBC’s Sound of 2011.

Taking the crown from Ellie Goulding’s 2010 win, 22-year-old Jessica Cornish will bring a new R&B style to 2011. She wrote poetry as a child and attended the famed Brit School which led to her first record deal with Gut Records and early interest from R ‘n’ B communities in the United States.

Jessie J originally wrote ‘Do it like a dude’ with Rihanna in mind but thought she would keep it for herself. She was right! As well as high-profile writing for Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake is also a massive fan! View BBC’s official Jessie J page.

BBC Sound of 2011 The Top 5:

1. Jessie J

2. James Blake

3. The Vaccines

4. Jamie Woon

5. Clare Maguire

Personally, I was rooting for Nero, who sadly came in at 11th place! But I’m much looking forward to hearing more from Jessie J’s cool R&B style.

BBC reveal New Sound of 2011

15 rising stars have been added to the longlist for the BBC’s Sound of 2011. Over 160 tastemakers have researched and named their odds for the next big star.The tastemakers include radio DJ’s, producers, TV presenters, magazine and website editors,newspaper critics and respected bloggers. The tastemakers are asked to pick their top three new acts from any country or music genre with the top 15 making the longlist.

The Criteria:

• Bands, singers, MC’s, performers of all genres.
• They must not have had a UK top 20 single or album by 14 November 2010.
• Must not already be known from talent shows such as X Factor etc. ( more criteria on BBC Website)

This year’s acts include R ‘n’ B inspired Jessie J, indie quartet The Vaccines, chilled out electro from Jamie Woon, dub-step and drum and bass from Nero and more indie-rock from Espen and The Witch. Check out the full list on the BBC New Sound site.

Past predictions from the New Sound gurus have not failed to be correct. Ellie Goulding and Marina and The Diamonds were shortlisted in 2010 with Adele in 2008 and 50 cent in 2003.

In the week commencing 3rd Jan 2011 the top 5 will be revealed. Every day that week one act from the top five will be featured on BBC news and Sound of 2011 websites and will also be interviewed on BBC Radio 1.

Check out the new talent! Who do you want to win?