The wait is finally over! The shortlist for the 2025 Mercury Prize has been announced, showcasing an impressive lineup. Fan-favorites such as Fontaines DC, CMAT, Wolf Alice, and Sam Fender are featured on this year’s Album of the Year list. The twelve albums nominated for this year’s Mercury Prize were revealed this morning (Wednesday 10th September) during a launch event in London, which was also broadcast live on BBC Radio 6 Music. Other nominated artists this year include FKA twigs with her exceptional album ‘EUSEXUA,’ Jacob Alon for his beautiful debut ‘In Limerence,’ and indie icons Pulp, who returned this year with the aptly named ‘More.’ Here’s the complete shortlist, along with links to our reviews of the albums:
- CMAT - ‘EURO-COUNTRY’
- Emma-Jean Thackray - ‘Weirdo’
- FKA twigs - ‘EUSEXUA’
- Fontaines DC - ‘Romance’
- Jacob Alon - ‘In Limerence’
- Joe Webb - ‘Hamstrings & Hurricanes’
- Martin Carthy - ‘Transform Me Then Into A Fish’
- Pa Salieu - ‘Afrikan Alien’
- PinkPantheress - ‘Fancy That’
- Pulp - ‘More’
- Sam Fender - ‘People Watching’
- Wolf Alice - ‘The Clearing’
The albums nominated this year were selected by a judging panel that includes Jeff Smith, Head of 6 Music & Radio 2, musician and broadcaster Jamie Cullum, presenter Jamz Supernova, DJ Sian Eleri, and writer Sophie Williams, among others. Additionally, the prestigious Mercury Prize will take place in Newcastle for its 2025 edition, marking the first time the awards ceremony has been held outside of London. The event will be hosted by beloved radio DJ and North East local Lauren Laverne, scheduled for Thursday 16th October at Newcastle's Utilita Arena. In a long-overdue effort to highlight music scenes and communities beyond the capital, the Mercury Prize 2025 has partnered with music development agency Generator to present the Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe. This program of special events will take place across the North East from 9th to 15th October and will include live performances, workshops, roundtable discussions, and an industry conference. For additional information about the Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe program, visit their website.
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