Tom Odell(01 of10)
Open Image ModalHe mightn’t exactly be a household name, but providing the soundtrack to a CGI penguin finding love isn’t Tom’s first shot at the big time - in 2013 he won the Critics’ Choice award at the Brits, following in the footsteps of Emeli ‘Ever-Present’ Sandé and Adele. (credit:Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)
Tom Odell(02 of10)
Open Image ModalBefore the glory days of Monty the Penguin, Tom admits that he struggled to get a break in the music industry, claiming that during the early stages of his career, he played open mic nights which were “full of humiliation”. Ouch. (credit:Andrew Benge via Getty Images)
Tom Odell(03 of10)
Open Image ModalTom released his debut album last year, and with song titles including ‘Long Way Down’, ‘Till I Lost’ and ‘Can’t Pretend’, it’s safe to say it’s not one to have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree at your office party this year, but it might be one to stick on when you’re hungover and emotional the next day. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Tom Odell(04 of10)
Open Image ModalHe admits that when his ex-girlfriends have heard the songs he’s written about them, they’ve been in touch to ask if he wants to “fall back in love again”. Just wait till they see you singing with Monty, Tom, they’ll be queueing around the block. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Tom Odell(05 of10)
Open Image ModalUnfortunately, not everyone was won over by Tom’s debut offering, and when the NME gave the album a 0/10 review, his dad actually rang the office to complain. Not quite Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift at the VMAs, admittedly, but it’s still nice to know someone’s fighting your corner, isn’t it? (credit:Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images)
Tom Odell(06 of10)
Open Image ModalIt’s not just John Lewis ads that Tom and Lily Allen have in common, he was orginally signed to her independent record label, with the ‘Smile’ singer claiming he’s a “really charismatic and interesting songwriter”, not to mention “incredibly good-looking” (hey, you don’t hear us disagreeing, Lil). (credit:Richard Gray/EMPICS Entertainmen/EMPICS Entertainment)
Tom Odell(07 of10)
Open Image ModalLily isn’t the only star Tom has crossed paths with in his short career, he’s previously been snapped supping a pint with Taylor Swift, and worked with Nicole Scherzinger on tracks to help her through her break-up from Lewis Hamilton, though they’re yet to see the light of day. (credit:Suzan/Suzan)
Tom Odell(08 of10)
Open Image ModalLike Marilyn Monroe, Farrah Fawcett and Lady Gaga before him, Tom is known - among other attributes - for his flawless blond locks, which he once joked to Elle were “better than Taylor Swift’s”. That’s one way to get an angry song written about you, Tom. (credit:DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAP)
Tom Odell(09 of10)
Open Image ModalDespite being a prize-winning performer - as well as his Brit Award, his songwriting was honoured at this Ivor Novellos - Tom admits he doesn’t feel like he fits in with the music scene, claiming he feels like an “impostor” when he’s at showbiz bashes. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Tom Odell(10 of10)
Open Image ModalOh! And apparently he knows Lulu. We know we said '9 Facts In 90 Seconds', but how could we leave this out? We're well jel. (credit:Dave Benett/Elton John AIDS Foundation via Getty Images)