Sam Smith has come out trumps in BBC's Sound of 2014 list.

The singer beat off the likes of Ella Eyre and Banks to be named the British music act most likely to make it big this coming year.

The list was devised by a pool of 170 UK critics and past winners have included Adele, Jessie J and Ellie Goulding.

Speaking about his win, 21-year-old Smith told the BBC: I'm completely speechless. It's a huge compliment to be recognised by the industry and the BBC in this way. I really didn't expect it."

He added: "Being amongst names like Ellie, Jessie J, Adele is just incredible because they inspire my music so much."

Last year's winners were US trio Haim, who subsequently went on to reach No.1 in the UK with their debut album 'Days Are Gone'.

Smith's first album 'In the Lonely Hour' meanwhile is due to be released in the UK on May 26.