MUMBAI: The BBC World Service has awarded 17 year old Armenian singer Silva with the Next Big Thing award for her song I Like.

For the song composed by her brother, Silva was chosen ahead of six other acts from around the world at the final, held in the BBC's Maida Vale studios in London.

The second spot in the competition was split between Malawian rapper NiC and London duo Stefan and Mya, while the third place was awarded to Brazilian collective Sweet Cherry Fury for their song Cold Blonde Body.

The finalists were selected by a panel of music journalists and experts. The judges for the final included producer William Orbit, Rough Trade founder Jeff Travis, African star Angelique Kidjo and Dirty Pretty Things drummer Gary Powell.

The competition which is part of the BBC's Generation Next season, was aimed exclusively at acts aged under 18.