The Brits add critics award to 2008 ceremony

The Brits have announced details of a new category voted for by critics for the 2008 awards.

The simply titled Critics Choice award will focus on new British acts that are being tipped to break through in 2008.

Winners will be chosen by the people working on newspapers, magazines and websites along with heads of radio and TV stations.

The award will be open to artists signed to a label who are set to release their debut albums in 2008.

The results for this award will be revealed on December 10 on Brits.co.uk.

The top three artists or bands the critics are backing to break through in 2008 – as well as the overall winner – will be announced.

The winner will collect their award at the Brits ceremony on February 20 and will perform live at the Brits' nominations launch party early next year.