Olivia Dean has continued her award-winning run, securing a Mercury Prize nomination months after sweeping the Brit and MOBO Awards. She competes for the £25,000 prize alongside Raye, nominated for This Music May Contain Hope, and former Little Mix member Jade, whose debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby! also made the shortlist.
Paul McCartney earns first Mercury nomination at 84
Sir Paul McCartney received his first-ever Mercury Prize nomination at age 84 for The Boys of Dungeon Lane, his first studio album in five years. Released in May, the record debuted at number one and revisits his childhood in Liverpool, named after a street near his family home.
Full shortlist and notable snubs
The shortlist includes Dave’s The Boy Who Played The Harp, Florence And The Machine’s Everybody Scream, Dove Ellis’s Blizzard, Knats’ A Great Day In Newcastle, Kojey Radical’s Don’t Look Down, Nia Archives’ Emotional Junglist, Suede’s Antidepressants, and War Child Records’ HELP(2).
Lily Allen’s West End Girl – a critically acclaimed break-up album inspired by her marriage to David Harbour – was tipped for a nomination but did not feature. It is unclear if she was overlooked or chose not to enter; artists must submit their own work. Allen was previously nominated for No Shame in 2018.
Harry Styles’ Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally and Gorillaz’ The Mountain also missed the shortlist despite acclaim.
Ceremony details
The Mercury Prize ceremony takes place Thursday, October 22 at Utilita Arena Newcastle, featuring live performances from nominated artists. Sam Fender won last year for People Watching; past winners include English Teacher, Little Simz, Arlo Parks, and Wolf Alice.
