Emeli Sande's most nerve wracking moment of 2012 was appearing at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

The 'Heaven' singer was lucky enough to perform at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 games in London - seen by millions of people around the world - and was understandably nervous before her big moments.

She told Q magazine: ''My highlight of the year was stepping out to sing 'Abide With Me' at the Olympics Opening Ceremony. That was a huge moment. And the most nerve wracking of my life, not just the year. Partly because at the dress rehearsal, in front of 16,000 people, my mic wasn't working.

''However, I felt very calm when I stepped out. You can't really see people, you can only see lights. Everybody went very quiet. It was like being underwater. ''

Another highlight of Emeli's year has been getting to work with one of her idols, Alicia Keys, and they clicked instantly when they sat together for a writing session.

Alicia said: ''I have to say, myself and Emeli Sande - when we met and we really began to write together, it was instant magic and that doesn't happen all the time.

''There's about three songs on my album that we did together and they are, all three, unbelievably special.''