University dropout tipped for music industry breakthrough
A 22-year-old who dropped out of university to pursue a music career has been tipped as the breakthrough act of 2010 by industry experts in a highly regarded poll.
Ellie Goulding from Herefordshire, 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 acts, which 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 learnt to play the guitar and write her own folk-inspired music at the age of 15.