The wait is over. The highly anticipated shortlist for the Hyundai Mercury Prize 2025, celebrating the Albums of the Year, has been officially unveiled, setting the stage for the UK's most coveted music award.
This year's selection showcases a powerful and diverse range of British and Irish musical talent, from avant-pop visionaries to heartfelt rock storytellers. The twelve nominated albums represent the very best of innovative and creative soundscapes released over the past twelve months.
The Prestigious 2025 Shortlist
The twelve artists nominated for the £25,000 prize are:
- FKA twigs for her mesmerising album 'Sound & Light'
- CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson) for her witty and country-infused 'CrazyMad, For Me'
- Sam Fender for his anthemic and socially charged 'Wild Grey Ocean'
- Jordan Rakei for the soulful 'The Loop'
- Jessica Winter for her explosive pop record 'Limerence'
- Squid for their experimental rock offering 'O Monolith'
- Jockstrap for the genre-defying 'I<3UQT2'
- Yussef Dayes for the virtuosic 'Black Classical Music'
- Ragz Originale for 'BARE SUGAR'
- Lankum for their folk masterpiece 'False Lankum'
- Ezra Collective for the vibrant 'Where I'm Meant To Be'
- Olivia Dean for her stunning debut 'Messy'
The Road To The Prize
The winner will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Eventim Apollo in London on September 7th. The event promises not only the revelation of the overall winner but also live performances from many of the shortlisted artists, making it a night to remember for the UK music scene.
Since its inception in 1992, the Mercury Prize has become renowned for highlighting exceptional artistic achievement across a wide spectrum of genres. It has the power to catapult emerging artists into the spotlight and affirm the status of established greats.
This year's judging panel, chaired by broadcaster Jamz Supernova, includes a host of renowned musicians, industry professionals, and journalists. Their task was undoubtedly challenging, whittling down a year of incredible music to just twelve standout albums.
Who will take home the prize? The nation waits with bated breath to see which album will be crowned the definitive record of 2025.
