Pop newcomer Jessie J: I want to be a UK icon
She has already picked up a coveted award as the music industry's top newcomer — now Jessie J has set her sights on becoming a "global ambassador".
The 22-year-old singer from Essex won the Critics' Choice Award at a ceremony last night announcing the nominees for the Brits.
With admirers including Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera, Jessie J, who stormed onto the scene with her single Do it Like A Dude, said she wanted to become an "icon for the UK".
She told the Evening Standard: "I'm so overwhelmed right now it's unbelievable. I'm feeling amazing. I've been doing this for six years, and it just feels like there are more people watching me do it. I'm now doing it in front of the world rather than in my bedroom and posting it on YouTube.
"So many people are saying that music is dead. That's why I'm here. I want to be an icon for the UK. On the world stage I'm an ambassador for the UK and I'm so proud to be wearing our flag."
Rapper Tinie Tempah, from Plumstead, leads the way at this year's Brits with four nominations and will be performing at the awards ceremony. Speaking at the event at IndigO2 in Greenwich, he said: "It's absolutely mental. I can't get over it. Everything's going so well right now I couldn't ask for more.
"It's going to be colossal. When I got the call I would be performing too, I was over the moon. I was there last year and saw Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. I thought I d love to be asked one day to appear at the Brits." The 22-year-old is up for British male solo artist, British breakthrough act, single of the year, and album of the year."
Last year's winner of the Critics' Choice Award, Ellie Goulding, is in the running for best female solo artist. She said: "Last year I was here and really nervous and scared. But now I feel a bit more grounded and feel like I deserve to be here a little bit, and I've got to stop being apologetic and realise that I've worked hard.
"I've released my album, played festivals, and I've kind of done it all. I feel honoured to be back."
Rapper Plan B and folk-rockers Mumford And Sons all have three nominations. Reformed "manband" Take That get two, for best group and album of the year. The XX get three, including one for their Mercury Prize-winning album XX.
This year's ceremony will be hosted by James Corden.
