The line is drawn under a strong list for the BBC Sound Of 2014 today, as Sam Smith is named as the main choice of British broadcasters, bloggers and critics.

You'll have heard his tones on many 2013 tracks, including Disclosure's monster hit 'Latch', and the industry is predicting big things from his own work this year.

Smith said of the news: "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 picked up the Brits Critics' Choice award at their nominations ceremony last night. He also announced the May 26 release of his debut album, The Lonely Hour.

The Top 5:

1: Sam Smith
2: Ella Eyre
3: Banks
4: Sampha
5: George Ezra – look out for an in-depth interview with Ezra in the first Hot Press of 2014!

Previous winners include Adele, Ellie Goulding (currently sitting at the top of the Irish Album Chart) and Haim, who had a hugely successful 2013, so the Sound Of poll seems to get it right more often than not.

HP's Craig Fitzpatrick caught up with last year's winners Haim a couple of times over a whirlwind 12 months, re-read his conversations with the always-entertaining LA girls below…

Haim Of The Season
Hot Press meets Haim