The Mercury Prize, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious music awards, has once again stirred excitement and debate with the announcement of its 2025 nominees. The shortlist, unveiled on September 10, 2025, showcases a vibrant spectrum of British and Irish talent, balancing household names with adventurous newcomers and a few delightful curveballs. For the first time in its history, the ceremony will move beyond London, finding a new home at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on October 16, 2025—a move seen by many as emblematic of the prize’s commitment to musical diversity and regional representation.
Since its inception in 1992, when Primal Scream took home the inaugural award, the Mercury Prize has carved out a reputation for championing innovation and artistry across all genres. This year, the 12-album shortlist continues that tradition, offering an eclectic mix that reflects the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music in Britain and Ireland.
The established acts on the list are impossible to ignore. Pulp, the legendary Britpop band that won the Mercury in 1996 for Different Class, returns with More, their first album in 21 years. Their comeback has been met with both nostalgia and curiosity, with frontman Jarvis Cocker’s recent Glastonbury performance reminding fans why the band’s blend of wit and melody remains so enduring. Wolf Alice, meanwhile, secures a nod for their fourth album, The Clearing, making them the first act to be nominated for all of their first four records—a testament to their consistent critical acclaim and ability to evolve.
According to Reuters, Wolf Alice’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a sign of the band’s lasting resonance in the British music scene. The band previously won the Mercury Prize in 2018, and their continued presence on the shortlist highlights their adaptability and the depth of their catalog.
Other familiar faces include Sam Fender for People Watching, a record that cements his place as a chronicler of working-class Britain, and FKA Twigs, whose third album Eusexua has been lauded for its experimental edge and emotional depth. PinkPantheress also makes history with Fancy That, marking the first time a ‘mixtape’—a format increasingly blurred with traditional albums—has been recognized by the Mercury panel.
The Irish music scene is particularly well represented this year. Fontaines D.C., the post-punk group from Dublin, earned a nomination for their fourth album Romance, while CMAT’s third studio album also made the cut. This marks a significant moment for Irish artists, as the Mercury Prize has yet to be claimed by an Irish act in its 34-year history. Could 2025 finally break that streak?
On the more experimental end of the spectrum, the shortlist features jazz pianist Joe Webb for Hamstrings & Hurricanes, art jazz innovator Emma-Jean Thackray for Weirdo, Scottish folk songwriter Jacob Along for In Limerence, and Welsh jazz musician Joe Webb. Folk legend Martin Carthy, at 84, becomes the oldest ever Mercury Prize nominee with Transform Me Then Into A Fish, a testament to his immense contribution to English traditional music. As noted by Reuters, Carthy’s inclusion is not only a nod to his storied career but also a recognition of the enduring power of folk music in the modern era.
Rapper Pa Salieu represents hip hop and grime this year with his mixtape Afrikan Alien. In recent years, these genres have found favor with Mercury judges, but Salieu stands as the sole nominee from these styles in 2025. His work, rooted in the sounds of Coventry and the broader diaspora, continues to push the boundaries of what British rap can sound like.
Notably absent from the shortlist are metal, hard rock, and classical genres. While the Mercury Prize has occasionally included token classical or metal acts in the past, this year’s panel opted for a different direction, perhaps reflecting shifts in the broader musical conversation or the particular strengths of this year’s submissions. As music journalist Will Simpson observed in Classic Rock and Classic Pop, “Metal and hard rock have been ignored. And whilst there used to be a token classical nominee each year in the Mercurys list, the panel have overlooked that genre too.”
The Mercury Prize’s move to Newcastle is being greeted with optimism by many in the industry. The city, which also hosted the MOBO Awards earlier this year, boasts a rich musical heritage and a thriving contemporary scene. Jo Twist, CEO of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the body behind the Mercury Prize, expressed her enthusiasm for the relocation. “The move to Newcastle is very exciting for us,” Twist told Reuters. “It’s a city that has an amazing musical heritage and musical culture. What makes British music so brilliant is its diversity. It’s from all over the country but opportunity isn’t necessarily (distributed) all over the country.”
Twist also hinted at the possibility of the Mercurys establishing a permanent home outside of London, saying, “If there are other cities who are keen to follow this blueprint, which the Mobos successfully laid down, we’d love to have those conversations again. This shortlist shows the breadth of talent from across the country and all of our nations.”
The ceremony itself, scheduled for October 16, 2025, promises to be a lively affair, with performances from many of the shortlisted artists. Unlike last year’s stripped-back, sponsorless event, the Newcastle venue offers a fresh start and the chance to engage new audiences. Tickets will be available to the public, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans eager to see their favorites up close.
The Mercury Prize, with its £25,000 award, remains a coveted honor, offering not just financial support but a significant boost in visibility and prestige. As Jo Twist summed up, “I think it is fantastic to see such an eclectic mix of genres, but also the diversity of artists, including careers that spanned decades to artists who are emerging.”
Last year’s winners, English Teacher, claimed the prize for their debut album This Could Be Texas, beating out heavyweights like Charli XCX and rapper Ghetts. Their victory underscored the Mercury’s reputation for unpredictability and for spotlighting artists on the rise.
As the countdown to the October ceremony begins, speculation mounts over who will take home the prize. Will it be a returning champion like Wolf Alice or Pulp, a long-overdue Irish act, or one of the genre-defying newcomers? One thing is certain: the Mercury Prize continues to reflect the restless creativity and diversity at the heart of British and Irish music, ensuring that fans—and artists—never quite know what to expect next.
