Conor Maynard wins MTV newcomer prize

Conor Maynard Conor Maynard won over fans after posting videos of him singing well known songs online

Singer Conor Maynard has been unveiled as the winner of MTV's Brand New: For 2012 competition.

The 19-year-old beat a shortlist of nine other nominated artists, including King Charles and Lana Del Rey, who came second and third respectively.

His debut single is yet to be released, but he has already notched up millions of hits on YouTube.

The singer was voted into first place after MTV opened an online poll. He received 50% of the votes.

'Incredible talent'

The musician said topping the poll was an "amazing feeling".

He added: "I can't thank the fans and viewers enough for voting, and MTV for selecting me in the first place. Hope this is the first success of many to come."

MTV's Brand New: For 2012

1. Conor Maynard

2. King Charles

3. Lana Del Rey

4. Clement Marfo & The Frontline

5. Angel

6. Delilah

7. Charli XCX

8. Michael Kiwanuka

9. Lianne La Havas

10. Context

Maynard first gained recognition after he posted videos of himself singing cover versions of hits by Kings Of Leon, Rihanna and others to YouTube.

He has now signed a record deal with Parlophone Records and will release his first single, Can't Say No, in April.

MTV's director of talent and music programming Matt Cook said the up-and-coming artist "demonstrates incredible talent".

Clement Marfo & the Frontline and Angel were voted into fourth and fifth place in the poll.

At number six was Delilah, who is also known as Paloma Stoeker, followed by Charli XCX.

Soulful singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, who topped the BBC's Sound of 2012, was number eight in the list, with Lianne La Havas in ninth place.

In November, MTV's talent launched a competition to find an unsigned act to compete against the more well-known musicians on its shortlist.

MC and producer Context was announced as the winner but eventually took tenth place in the overall list.

More on This Story

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites

More Entertainment & Arts stories

RSS

Features & Analysis

Elsewhere on the BBC

  • MercedesStory of the S-Class

    Mercedes-Benz has been producing the model since 1972. BBC Autos looks back at its history

Programmes

  • The night sky in ChileFast Track Watch

    Stargazing in Chile – visit the best place on earth to see the heavens above

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.