Ellie Goulding tops BBC Sound of 2010 list

Ellie Goulding, whose music has been branded "folktronica", topped the BBC Sound of 2010 list which has previously heralded the careers of artists such as Adele, Mika and 50 Cent.

She has already been named as the recipient of a Brit next month as the Critics' Choice for this year.

The list of promising music acts, who more often than not go on to chart success, is compiled with the help of 165 music experts including NME editor Krissi Murison, BBC Radio 2's Mark Radcliffe and Alison Howe, producer of Jools Holland's TV showcase Later.

Goulding, whose music blends traditional acoustic singer-songwriter style with electronica, said she was "absolutely honoured" after beating contenders such as Greek-Welsh pop singer Marina And The Diamonds and New York rock outfit The Drums to the top of the list.

She continued: "I didn't expect to get anywhere a few years ago. I didn't even expect to have a record deal, let alone be put in such a prestigious thing so I'm very happy. I think the list this year is great and I really believe in a lot of the acts."

Goulding, from Kington in Herefordshire, learnt to play the guitar and write her own folk-inspired music at the age of 15.

It was when she was studying drama at university that she was exposed to electronic music and, with the help of chart act Frankmusik, who she contacted on MySpace, she developed her own sound which has been likened to the music of Imogen Heap and Lykke Li.

Since leaving university and moving to London she has released the single Under The Sheets, which made it to number 53 in the UK charts, and supported Little Boots - who topped last year's BBC Sound of 2010 list - on tour.

The list seeks to find the best, most exciting music acts which are still unknown to the British public. It is in its eighth year and previous winners have also included Keane and Corinne Bailey Rae.

Goulding's Brit prize also rewarded her potential as the newcomer most likely to find success this year.

Since the Critics' Choice inception in 2007, it has been awarded to Adele and Florence + The Machine, who have both found major fame.

Goulding's debut album Lights is due out on March 1.