Former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall has revealed she burst into tears when she learned her debut solo album had been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. The singer was in Ibiza on a writing trip when she received the news that That's Showbiz Baby! was among the nominees.
Emotional Reaction to the Nomination
Speaking at Newcastle's Utilita Arena, where the winner will be announced, Thirlwall described her reaction to the shortlist, which also includes Sir Paul McCartney, Raye, Suede, and Olivia Dean. "When it was first announced I was in Ibiza on a writing trip – not living it up – with my song-writing friends, and I got the call and I just cried, I was like 'I can't believe it'," she said.
The South Shields-born singer expressed surprise at receiving such recognition for a pop album. "I think especially when you do pop music, you don't necessarily expect these sort of accolades," she added. "So to receive it, alongside such incredible musicians, I couldn't ask for more."
Homecoming Performance
Thirlwall, who grew up watching shows at the Utilita Arena, said the nomination alone felt like a victory. "I am just so happy to be here whatever happens tonight, I am glad to be home, I am glad to be shortlisted, I'm glad to perform in the arena that I grew up watching shows in," she said. "(That's) already winning for me, whatever happens."
Pulp, who won the Mercury Prize in 1996 with Different Class, are nominated this year for their contribution to the War Child Records Help(2) album. Singer Jarvis Cocker noted the symmetry: "It's a history we've got, 30 years ago almost to the day is when we won it for Different Class and we gave that away to the first War Child album and here we are again representing the second War Child album."
Other Nominees React
Suede, winners in 1993, are nominated for Antidepressants. Bassist Mat Osman observed how the event has evolved. "It's a lot bigger, it's a lot more sober, the dressing room smells more of Ralgex than it did in 1993," he said. "It's lovely actually, I didn't know if it would survive but it has been so prescient about music."
Newcastle jazz band Knats, hoping to follow last year's winner Sam Fender, expressed excitement about performing at the venue. Bassist Stan Woodward said: "It's mental, it's crazy, we're here rocking." Kojey Radical, nominated for Don't Look Down, praised the prize's celebration of diversity, noting the range of albums shortlisted.
The Mercury Prize, established in 1992, is awarded annually to the best album by a UK or Irish artist, with the winner receiving £25,000.
