Mercury Prize 2025: the Newcastle ceremony and the lineup
The Mercury Prize returns to Newcastle, bringing with it a mix of veteran acts and rising stars who define UK and Ireland music this year. Among the 12 albums shortlisted, familiar faces rub shoulders with fresh voices, illustrating the prize’s enduring aim: celebrate artistic excellence across genres. At the heart of the drama are Sam Fender, CMAT and Pulp, each bringing a distinct voice and a strong case for winning the £25,000 prize.
CMAT’s Euro-Country: sharp, smart and subversive
CMAT has already cemented her status as one of the year’s most intriguing voices. With Euro-Country, she delivers punchy observations wrapped in wry humor, addressing topics from the Irish financial crisis of 2008 to cultural critiques of beauty standards and even a personal vendetta against fast food iconography. The album has been praised for its witty social commentary and its ability to blend country textures with pop hooks, creating a soundtrack that feels both clever and contagious on stage and on the festival circuit.
Critics highlight CMAT’s ability to balance satire with sincere storytelling, ensuring that tracks land with emotional honesty even as they punch up with satire. For fans of live performance, her festival sets this summer showcased her knack for engaging the crowd with bright melodies and pointed lyrics—a factor the Mercury judges will certainly consider as they weigh a stronger, more diverse 12-album field.
Pulp’s return: a More-than-welcome comeback
Pulp’s late-90s glory still echoes through the halls of British indie rock, and their 2024-25 return with the album More has given the Mercury Prize a spark of nostalgia fused with fresh songwriting. The record, marked by Jarvis Cocker’s distinctive lyricism and the band’s resilient energy, revisits themes of aging, relationships and the quiet drama of everyday life. The music bounces between disco-infused grooves and jangly indie pop, with a seasonal warmth that makes it feel both retrospective and urgent. For many observers, Pulp’s return offers a bold reminder of the band’s enduring relevance and their ability to craft songs that still feel urgent in a contemporary context.
Its standout moments, such as the buoyant Got To Have Love and the reflective Slow Jam, balance wit with poignancy. The album’s mix of sharp lyricism and memorable melodies positions Pulp as a compelling candidate for a Mercury Prize that thrives on both nostalgia and reinvention.
Other contenders and a diverse field
Alongside CMAT and Pulp, the shortlist features a cross-section of artists who have shaped 2024–25’s listening habits. Wolf Alice, commissioned by critics for their evolving sound, continue to push their indie-rock boundaries with The Clearing, an album that blends 70s-inspired textures with modern production. Fontaines D.C., fresh from a year of high-profile nominations and awards, bring their poetic post-punk energy with Romance, a record that challenges listeners with its lyrical density and dynamic arrangements. The presence of such bands underscores the Mercury Prize’s commitment to both tradition and risk-taking in music.
As nominations roll in, the panel’s task remains balancing legacy with new voices, and the public’s curiosity grows. Will a veteran artist repeat Mercury glory, or will a surprising discovery take the prize this year? The shortlist’s diversity signals an award ceremony that promises not only a celebration of past achievements but also a forward-looking view of where UK and Irish music is headed.
How and when to watch
The ceremony is staged in Newcastle, with live coverage on BBC platforms. BBC Radio 6 Music will provide live commentary from 21:00 BST, followed by a delayed TV feed on BBC Four from 21:30 BST. For those tracking the event online, latest updates and backstage moments will be shared across BBC’s digital channels, with real-time reaction and post-show analysis available after the winner is announced.
What the Mercury Prize means for artists and listeners
The Mercury Prize remains more than an annual award; it’s a spotlight on the UK and Ireland’s most inventive music. A nomination can dramatically raise an artist’s profile, expand audiences, and accelerate tours and collaborations. For fans, the shortlist provides a snapshot of the year’s most talked-about records—an invitation to explore albums that might become the genre-defining records of the next few years. With Newcastle at the center of the celebrations, the 2025 ceremony embodies the prize’s mission: honoring artists who push boundaries while connecting deeply with listeners.
Quick guide to the nominees
– CMAT: Euro-Country.
– Pulp: More.
– Wolf Alice: The Clearing.
– Fontaines D.C.: Romance.
– Sam Fender: [Album not specified in this summary].
Bookmark this page for live updates as the ceremony unfolds and the judges reveal the Mercury Prize winner for 2025.
