POLYDOR RULES CRITICS' CHOICE SHORTLIST

UMG U.K. label Polydor has two out of the three acts in the running for 2018 BRITs Critics’ Choice award with Mabel and Stefflon Don. Jorja Smith, who has self-released to date, is the third contender. The winner will be announced on 12/4.

Last year, Columbia man Rag’n’Bone Man was crowned winner ahead of releasing his #1 debut album, Human. He’s since gone on to be the biggest breakout story in Blighty this year. UMG’s Jack Garratt (Island), James Bay (Virgin EMI) and Sam Smith (Capitol) were the winners three years prior.


Swedish singer/songwriter Mabel was signed to Polydor by the label’s now co-President, Ben Mortimer, two years ago. Her latest track “Finders Keepers” has hit 26m streams on Spotify and is currently #12 on the U.K.’s Official Singles Chart. She released a debut mixtape, Ivy to Roses, in October.

Grime artist Stefflon Don was a hotly contested signing in March—the deal included a JV with her own label V-IV London and Universal Records. She released her debut mixtape last year and peaked at #7 with her first official single “Hurtin’ Me” with French Montana in October.

Finally, Jorja Smith has gained notoriety this year thanks to her soulful voice and writing skills. She’s been releasing music under her own FAMM imprint and featured on Drake’s mixtape, More Life.

Who's your money on?