2012 BRITS CRITICS' CHOICE AWARD WINNER EMELI SANDÉ IN TORONTO

Emeli Sandé & Mr. Will-W.

Although the UK fully has embraced her already, Med Student-turned-Singer/Songwriter Emeli Sandé is just now solidifying herself as one to look out for here in North America. Already being compared to the likes of Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones and Adele, Sandé actually shares a name with the latter, ultimately a conflict which decided her own fateful stage name.

The Singer's debut Disc, Our Version of Events, already has reached number one in the UK where also she was awarded the 2012 Critics' Choice Award at the BRITS two weeks ago.  Recent Winners of the same Award include Florence And The Machine, Adele and Jessie J.  In addition to Mogul Simon Cowell, recently naming her his favourite Songwriter, Sandé has penned tunes for the likes of Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle and Cheryl Cole.

Performing at an intimate Showcase at Drake Hotel earlier this evening before a group of Tastemakers, several industry types were buzzing about her potential.  103.9 PROUD-FM Programming Director Bob Willette tells me that his station is the first Top 40 Station nationally to add her latest Track Next to Me, to their rotation.  Above this, Sandé was in great spirits, telling me that the Showcase - her first ever in Canada - went rather well.  She will be playing a sold-out show tomorrow night at the same venue, but in the event you miss her, she will be touring with her famous Labelmates Coldplay the Summer.

Emeli Sande's Our Version of Events gets a release stateside on June 5, 2012 via EMI.  Follow her on Twitter here.

Check out Next to Me below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. | Video credit: EMI)