Critics' Choice (Brit Award) in the context of Sam Fender

Samuel Thomas Fender (born 25 April 1994) is an English singer, songwriter, and musician. Born and raised in North Shields, Fender released several singles independently beginning in 2017. His sound relies primarily on his traditional American musical upbringing combined with a British rock sensibility. He is known for his high tenor voice and Geordie accent. Recognised for his songwriting style, Fender is the recipient of three Brit Awards.

In 2018 Fender was named one of the BBC's Sound of 2018, and signed to Polydor Records, releasing his debut EP, Dead Boys. He won the Critics' Choice Award at the 2019 Brit Awards and released his debut album, Hypersonic Missiles, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number one, that same year. His second album, Seventeen Going Under, was released in 2021. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and received a nomination for the 2022 Mercury Prize, with its title track gaining commercial success. In 2022 and 2025, Fender won the Brit Award for British Rock/Alternative Act. In October 2025, he was awarded the Mercury Prize for his third studio album People Watching.