A somber tone shifted over the UK, as the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death broke out, prompting The Mercury Prize to call off the ceremony moments after.
UK’s most prestigious and generous music prize has been postponed, minutes after the night of nights had served the first round of champagne.
Nominees were on route, Sam Fender and Little Simz had already arrived and rehearsed for the show, and the audience members were settling into their seats, waiting for the annual ceremony to begin when Buckingham Palace announced the Queen had passed away peacefully at Balmoral.
The prize was scheduled to be aired live on BBC Four when news of the Queen’s death broke out. “Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family at this very difficult time. An announcement about a future date will be made as soon as we are able”, the organisers shared.
Leftover food and drinks from the postponed Mercury Prize awards are being offered to charities and those in need.
Ten of this year’s shortlisted albums come from first-time nominees, with the winner set to receive £25,000. The 2022 nominees for the prestigious album of the year award include:
Harry Styles, Harry’ House
Wet Leg – Wet Leg
Fergus McCreadie – Forest Floor
Gwenno – Tresor
Joy Crookes – Skin
Kojey Radical – Reason To Smile
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
Nova Twins – Supernova
Sam Fender – Seventeen Going Under
Self Esteem – Prioritise Pleasure
Yard Act – The Overload
Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler – For All Our Days That Tear The Heart
Tonight’s Mercury Prize event has been postponed at this time of great national sorrow. We know everyone involved in the Mercury Prize will understand.
Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family at this very difficult time.
— Mercury Prize (@MercuryPrize) September 8, 2022
Mercury Prize 2022 has axed the red carpet for tonight’s award ceremony out of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, https://t.co/s6qS44ul9H has learned. https://t.co/KZwJOOTvYh
— Metro (@MetroUK) September 8, 2022
Previous winners include Arlo Parkes, Pulp, and PJ Harvey.
