Mercury Prize 2025 Nominees Announced with Ceremony Moving to Newcastle

The 2025 Mercury Prize for Album of the Year will be awarded in Newcastle on Thursday, with Pulp and Irish singer CMAT among the favorites. CMAT’s third album, Euro-Country, is currently the front-runner, praised for blending themes of loneliness and national identity with humor. Pulp is a close second for their comeback album, More, while Fontaines DC are nominated for Romance, marking their crossover into the mainstream. Other nominees include PinkPantheress, Jacob Alon, and 84-year-old folk musician Martin Carthy, making him the oldest ever nominee. Carthy’s album, Transform Me Then Into a Fish, revisits his extensive career, while Wolf Alice, who previously won the prize in 2018, are nominated for The Clearing. Hometown artist Sam Fender hopes for a local advantage with People Watching. This year’s ceremony marks the first time it has been held outside London since its inception in 1992, following a partnership with Newcastle City Council. Organizers aim to decentralize the music industry and provide opportunities beyond London. Mercury-nominated rapper Pa Salieu also supports this move, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for young artists. The week leading up to the event features fringe concerts and workshops for emerging talent. The ceremony at the Utilita Arena will be hosted by Lauren Laverne, with performances from nine of the twelve nominees.