Wednesday, February 18, 2009 6:44am ET by  
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Florence and the Machine to collect Critics' Choice Award at 2009 Brits

Florence and the Machine has been announced as the winner of the Critics' Choice award at the Brits 2009 tonight. The 22-year-old will be the second recipient of the award, voted for by a journalists and broadcasters from across the music industry. The award recognises emerging British talent and was given last year to Brixton-born soulstress Adele, who went on to sell 1.2m copies of her debut LP.

Florence, full name Florence Welch, is followed by electro-synth act Little Boots, real name Victoria Hesketh, and London indie-pop band in second and third place respectively. The award can only be given to a British act who has not released a debut album. Brits chairman Ged Doherty said: "The aim of introducing this award last year was to help boost the career of a new British artist by giving them a platform to reach a wider audience. Adele clearly fulfilled all our hopes and ambitions for this award. I hope Florence and the Machine goes on to enjoy similar success."

Celebrated for her original folk-pop style, Welch had a lot to say about her win. "Blimey, a Brit Award.Thank you so much to the critics." She went on, "I'm making my album at the moment, it's sort of sounding like a choir, a harp, some metal chains and a piano all put through a car crusher, then hit with wooden planks really hard. I will see you at the awards. I'll be the one trying to get off with and passed out next to Leona Lewis."

Welch has already performed at the Brits Nominations Launch at The Roundhouse on 20 January 2009, and will be collecting her award (and possibly pass out) at the actual ceremony at Earl's Court tonight.

Listen to Florence Welch talk about the 2009 Brits below: