Mercury Prize shortlist: veterans and new names as ceremony heads to Newcastle
Mercury Prize shortlist: veterans and new names as ceremony heads to Newcastle
Shortlist dominated by established names
The 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist was revealed on the morning of Wednesday 10 September, featuring a roster heavy on veteran talent alongside just two debut albums. Long-standing acts return in force, with Pulp’s comeback record More, Sam Fender’s chart-topping People Watching, Wolf Alice’s The Clearing and FKA twigs’ Eusexua all securing places on the twelve-strong list, alongside Irish pop star CMAT’s Euro-Country [The Guardian].
This year’s nominees maintain a perfect gender balance and span a broad range of styles. While folk godfather Martin Carthy (Transform Me Then Into a Fish) and indie favourites Fontaines DC (Romance) bolster the list, hip hop is represented by Pa Salieu’s Afrikan Alien and jazz makes a rare appearance via Joe Webb’s debut Hamstrings and Hurricanes. Metal, however, remains conspicuously absent once again [The Guardian].
The full shortlist
- CMAT – Euro-Country
- Emma-Jean Thackray – Weirdo
- FKA twigs – Eusexua
- Fontaines DC – Romance
- Jacob Alon – In Limerence (debut)
- Joe Webb – Hamstrings and Hurricanes (debut)
- 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
Emerging talent shines through
Despite the dominance of household names, two debut albums made a compelling case for up-and-coming artists. Jacob Alon’s In Limerence, a pastoral folk exploration by the Scottish songwriter, and Welsh jazz newcomer Joe Webb’s Hamstrings and Hurricanes demonstrate the prize’s continued commitment to recognising fresh voices. Both works earned their place among giants, signalling industry appetite for new perspectives [The Guardian].
Dr Jo Twist, Chief Executive of the BPI, praised the mix of experience and innovation. “It’s a real celebration of an eclectic mix of achievements across all genres,” she said, hinting that future shortlists could remain open to bold newcomers alongside established names [The Guardian].
Extended eligibility and late reveal
This year’s announcement came later than usual, following an extended eligibility window running from 13 July 2024 to 29 August 2025. The later cutoff allowed albums released across a broader timeframe to be considered, reflecting a conscious effort to capture the year’s full musical landscape [NME eligibility].
Critics noted that previously, the shortlist would appear in mid-July. By shifting to a September reveal, organisers have ensured albums released last autumn and this summer receive equal consideration.
A landmark move to Newcastle
In a first for the prize’s 33-year history, the awards ceremony will leave London and take place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 16 October 2025 [NME move]. The decision, made in partnership with Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority, aims to broaden the national footprint of the event and invest in regional music communities [Mercury Prize official site].
Generator, the North’s leading music development agency, will spearhead a week-long Mercury Fringe programme preceding the show. Industry workshops, performances by local talent and networking events will shine a spotlight on home-grown acts, echoing recent moves by MOBO to decentralise major music gatherings [The Guardian].
A proud legacy and what’s next
Established in 1992 to celebrate the best albums from British and Irish artists, the Mercury Prize has a history of transforming careers. Past winners include Primal Scream, Suede, Pulp, PJ Harvey and, more recently, Leeds band English Teacher, whose 2024 victory marked the first win for a non-London act since Young Fathers in 2015 [BBC News].
The judging panel for 2025 comprises a diverse array of broadcasters, musicians and music critics, chaired by BBC Radio head of music Jeff Smith. Their sole criteria remain artistic merit and innovation, traits that have cemented the prize’s reputation as the most eclectic of the UK’s music awards.
Attention now turns to the live performances at Utilita Arena and the announcement of the eventual winner. Tickets for the ceremony are available to the general public, promising fans from across the UK the chance to witness history in Newcastle.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist blends the familiar with the fresh, balancing legendary acts and rising stars. With its late-summer reveal, expanded eligibility and a pioneering move to Newcastle, this year’s edition underscores the prize’s ongoing evolution and dedication to celebrating British and Irish music in all its diversity.