Sam Smith has been named BBC's Sound of 2014, having been selected by 170 British critics, editors and broadcasters.

The singer, whose debut album, In the Lonely Hour, is due this spring, was followed by fellow British vocalist Ella Eyre at No. 2 and Los Angeles songstress BANKS at No. 3.

Perhaps foreshadowing what's likely in store for Smith in 2014, last year's winner was HAIM, with CHVRCHES, Angel Haze and AlunaGeorge ranking in the top five. Previous winners include Jessie J, Ellie Goudling and Adele.

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As we previously reported, Smith won The BRITs' Critics Choice Award and his Nirvana EP is slated for Jan. 28 in the States, while his full-length, In the Lonely Hour, is now expected June 3 on Capitol Records.

Smith is certainly no stranger to U.S. audiences, having been featured on Disclosure's "Latch" and Naughty Boy's "La La La," among others. His new single "Money on My Mind" can be heard here.

If you missed it, watch his live performance of "Latch," and be prepared to be blown away. [Video]

Full Sound of 2014 nominees list:
BANKS
Chance the Rapper
Chlöe Howl
Ella Eyre
FKA twigs
George Ezra
Jungle
Kelela
Luke Sital-Singh
MNEK
Nick Mulvey
Royal Blood
Sam Smith
Sampha
Say Lou Lou