Ella Eyre has been busy of late. The 19-year-old British singer/songwriter collaborated on Rudimental’s no.1 single Waiting all Night, appeared alongside Wiz Khalifa on Naughty Boy’s 2013 album and to top off an incredible year, she was nominated for the 2014 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award.

Ella Eyre and Chloe Howl were runners up for the prestigious award. Sam Smith was recently announced the winner. The award will be presented at a nominations show hosted by Nick Grimshaw on 9th January.

Describe your music inspirations….

Gnarls Barkley, Basement Jaxx, Amy Winehouse (I have a print of her on my bedroom wall) and Lauryn Hill. American pop stars like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga also inspire me. But I think British music artists are winning it at the moment.

How does it feel to be nominated for the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award?

Totally overwhelming. I saw Adele perform Someone Like You, two years ago with my school and that was one of the moments when I realised what I wanted to do. Jessie J was awarded the Critics’ Choice Award that year, so it’s amazing to think that two years on I’ve been nominated.

What will you wear on the red carpet?

Nothing too extravagant. Simple is sexy. I’ve never really walked the red carpet before, so doing it at the BRIT Awards will be fantastic.

Who would you most like to play a private gig for you?

Bob Marley!

Do you get nervous before you go on stage?

I think I mistake my nerves for excitement, so if anything, I am always raring to go. At the MOBO awards recently I spent the whole day preparing to going on stage, so when I got out there it was more like a party! Performing is one of my favourite things to do.

What are your festival survival tips?

Rum.

Ella’s new EP Deeper is out on 15th December.

‘The BRITs are Coming’, 10.35 pm, ITV, 9th January.

The Critics’ Choice album featuring all the nominated artists from the past 6 years is released on 6th January.

The BRIT Awards will take place on Wednesday 19th February and will be broadcast live on ITV.