The Mercury Prize has unveiled its 12 Albums of the Year for 2025, with Lauren Laverne announcing the shortlist live on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds. For the first time in its history, the prestigious ceremony will move outside London, taking place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Thursday, October 16. The event will crown this year’s Album of the Year winner and feature live performances from many of the shortlisted artists.
The Mercury Prize has long been regarded as one of the most respected music awards in the UK, spotlighting creativity, originality, and artistic impact over commercial success.
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This year’s shortlist blends debut projects with legendary returns. Sam Fender is nominated with People Watching. Wolf Alice return with The Clearing, following their 2018 win for Visions of a Life. Pulp, reunited with their first album in two decades, are also in the running with More. Rising names like Jacob Alon and Joe Webb join the lineup.
FKA twigs earns her second nomination with EUSEXUA, praised for its genre-bending soundscapes, while PinkPantheress continues her rise with Fancy That, her most experimental record to date. Legendary folk figure Martin Carthy secures a surprise nod with Transform Me Then Into A Fish.
Mercury Prize 2025: Full Shortlist
• CMAT – EURO-COUNTRY
• Emma-Jean Thackray – Weirdo
• FKA twigs – EUSEXUA
• Fontaines D.C. – 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
Mercury Prize 2025 Judges
The judging panel brings together leading voices in British music and media:
• Danielle Perry – Broadcaster & Writer
• Jamie Cullum – Musician & Radio 2 Broadcaster
• Jamz Supernova – Radio 6 Music Presenter
• Jeff Smith – Head of Music, Radio 2 & Radio 6 Music
• Lea Stonhill – Music Programming Consultant
• Mistajam – Songwriter, DJ & Broadcaster
• Phil Alexander – Creative Director, Kerrang!/Mojo
• Sian Eleri – Radio 1 Broadcaster & DJ
• Will Hodgkinson – Chief Rock & Pop Critic, The Times
• Sophie Williams – Music Writer & Broadcaster
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