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Music

Mercury Prize postponed after the news of the Queen’s death

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.

nova twins Mercury Prize
Nominees Nova Twins Credit: Twitter

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

Previous winners include Arlo Parkes, Pulp, and PJ Harvey.