I'm not totally sure on criteria despite Nunya's explanation - seems having an album out in late 2009 (even if it hasn't gone Top 20 yet) would preclude one's chances of making it on the list (especially when one looks at past lists), otherwise I would think Miike Snow or Local Natives would be good picks.
1. Drake
2. Marina & The Diamonds
3. Ellie Goulding
4. Hurts
5. Delphic
Those are my locks for the list (provided Drake hasn't released any singles in the UK yet which I don't think he has). I'd also fully expect Sky Ferreira, Clare Maguire and I Blame Coco (Sting's daughter) to be on there, but given they've not actually DONE anything yet and are literally known only among the press/industry maybe they won't be.
Seems like there should be one or two more bands though, maybe Chew Lips, Two Door Cinema Club or The Drums. Not particularly fond of any of those though.
Would also love to see Wolf Gang or Sound of Arrows make the list, but that's just my Neon Gold favoritism coming into play.
I think Delphic really deserves that chance but I feel as though their moment has almost passed. They've been knocking around all year and nothing has happened at all. Same goes for Miike Snow except I think the album is dross and they don't deserve the chance (Radio 1 have already given them enough chances if you ask me).
Is Yes Giantess getting a full UK push? I think they and The Sound of Arrows truly do deserve the exposure. Even if I have to grit my teeth to admit it.