Mercury Prize 2025 Shortlist: Full List of Nominees Announced

The Mercury Prize has always been one of the most respected awards in British and Irish music, and the 2025 shortlist has now been revealed. This year’s nominations celebrate a mix of legendary artists and rising stars, giving fans a rich blend of genres and voices. In a historic first, the award ceremony will also move outside London and take place in Newcastle this October, adding extra excitement to an already special year.

A Shortlist Packed with Diversity and Big Names

The 2025 shortlist highlights the variety of today’s music scene, featuring 12 albums that span rock, folk, pop, rap, and experimental sounds. Well-known names like Pulp, Sam Fender, and Wolf Alice are back in the spotlight with their latest albums. FKA twigs returns with Eusexua, while CMAT brings her unique country-pop style through Euro-Country. Rapper Pa Salieu makes a powerful appearance with Afrikan Alien, adding further depth to the lineup.

At the same time, the Mercury Prize continues its tradition of recognizing fresh talent. First-time nominees include Jacob Alon with his debut album In Limerence and Joe Webb with Hamstrings & Hurricanes. Both artists represent the next generation of voices that could shape the future of British and Irish music.

Other highlights include Fontaines D.C. with Romance, folk legend Martin Carthy with Transform Me Then Into a Fish, and breakthrough star PinkPantheress with Fancy That. Together, the list shows how the Mercury Prize values both innovation and tradition, bringing together artists at different stages of their careers.

Newcastle to Host Ceremony for the First Time

One of the biggest changes this year is the location of the award ceremony. On October 16, 2025, the Mercury Prize will take place at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, marking the first time in its 33-year history that the event will be held outside London. This move is seen as a way to celebrate the North East’s rich musical culture and reach wider audiences.

To build momentum ahead of the ceremony, a special Mercury Fringe Week will be held across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and Gateshead. This week-long celebration will include live gigs, workshops, and conferences designed to showcase new talent from the region. Fans can expect performances not only from the shortlisted artists but also from emerging local musicians.

The show will once again be hosted by broadcaster Lauren Laverne, who has become a familiar face at the Mercury Prize stage. With her strong roots in the North East, she adds an extra layer of connection to this year’s event.

Why the 2025 Mercury Prize Stands Out

The Mercury Prize has always been about more than just awards. It highlights creativity, originality, and the ability of music to reflect culture and society. This year’s shortlist shows just how broad that vision can be. From the raw emotion of Sam Fender’s People Watching to the playful energy of PinkPantheress’s Fancy That, the nominees each bring something unique to the table.

Key takeaways from this year’s shortlist include:

• Strong mix of genres: From folk to rap to indie rock, the 2025 list is one of the most diverse in recent years.

• Balance of legends and newcomers: Established names like Pulp and FKA twigs stand alongside debut artists such as Jacob Alon.

• Historic venue change: Hosting the ceremony in Newcastle marks a turning point for the award, showing its national reach.

• Fringe Week focus: By spotlighting regional talent, the Mercury Prize is giving opportunities to rising artists outside the mainstream.

This combination makes 2025 an especially exciting year for fans, artists, and the music industry as a whole.

My album EURO-COUNTRY has been shortlisted for the 2025 @MercuryPrize!! pic.twitter.com/rcv677bqUv

— cmat (@cmatbaby) September 10, 2025

Conclusion

The Mercury Prize 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions yet. With a shortlist that balances star power with fresh discovery, the awards are once again proving their importance in the music world. The move to Newcastle adds historical weight, while the focus on local talent shows a commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

For fans, this year’s ceremony promises not only to honor the best albums but also to celebrate the power of music across the UK and Ireland. Whether you’re rooting for an established favorite or a new name on the list, the Mercury Prize 2025 is set to deliver plenty of excitement.