- The 12-album shortlist for the 2025 Mercury Prize was announced on Wednesday, featuring a diverse array of artists.
- Irish acts Fontaines DC and CMAT are strong contenders, with either potentially becoming the first Irish winner in the prize's history.
- North Shields singer-songwriter Sam Fender is among the favourites to win, with the ceremony taking place in Newcastle for the first time outside London on Thursday 16 October.
- Wolf Alice received their fourth nomination, having been shortlisted for all their studio albums, while 84-year-old folk artist Martin Carthy became the oldest artist ever shortlisted.
- The shortlist also includes debut nominations for Jacob Alon and two jazz albums, alongside established acts such as FKA twigs, Pulp, and PinkPantheress.
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