Sam Fender has been named the winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize, taking home the prestigious award for his third studio album, People Watching. The announcement was made tonight (October 16) during a landmark ceremony at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena — the first time the event has ever taken place outside London.
The hometown victory felt especially poignant for the North Shields-born musician. Hosted by Lauren Laverne, the ceremony featured performances from several shortlisted acts, including FKA twigs, Wolf Alice, Pulp, and Pa Salieu, alongside a live broadcast across BBC platforms.
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Released in February 2025 via Polydor Records, People Watching has been widely regarded as Fender’s most accomplished work to date. Co-produced by Adam Granduciel, Markus Dravs, and Fender himself. Commercially, the project was a powerhouse. Upon release, People Watching debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, marking Fender’s third consecutive chart-topper. It earned 107,100 units in its opening week, the biggest debut by a British solo artist since Harry Styles’ Harry’s House (2022). With over 43,000 vinyl sales, it also became the fastest-selling vinyl album of the 21st century by a UK act.
The Mercury Prize, now in its 34th year, honors the best British or Irish album of the past 12 months, judged solely on artistic merit rather than commercial success. This year’s shortlist blended emerging artists and established icons, including FKA twigs, Pulp, Wolf Alice, CMAT, and PinkPantheress, reflecting the diverse landscape of contemporary British music.
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