Sam Smith wins BBC Sound of 2014

SONG SMITH: Capitol's Sam Smith has won the BBC Sound of 2014 prize, becoming the first male artist to snag this and the BRITs Critic's Choice Award consecutively; he joins Adele, Ellie Goulding and Jessie J in the rarefied dual-winners club. The BRITs ceremony takes place on 2/19 in London; whether the Queen and/or her corgis will attend remains at clear at this date. The silver-throated Smith has won a pile of plaudits from rock reviewers to go with his other laurels; his full-length bow, In the Lonely Hour, streets 6/3, with preorders commencing on 3/18—which just so happens to mark the start of his U.S. tour. (1/10p)