The shortlist for the Mercury Prize 2025 was revealed earlier today (September 10) – and fans have been quick to share their thoughts on social media.
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The 12 albums up for the award were announced live by Lauren Laverne earlier this morning on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds.
Among those on the list were CMAT‘s acclaimed third album ‘Euro-Country’, Fontaines D.C.‘s ‘Romance’ (the runner-up of NME‘s albums of the year 2024), Pulp‘s comeback record ‘More’, PinkPantheress‘ ‘Fancy That’, Wolf Alice‘s ‘The Clearing’ and Sam Fender‘s ‘People Watching’.
Other nominees include FKA Twigs (‘Eusexua’), Pa Salieu (‘Afrikan Alien’) and Emma-Jean Thackray (‘Weirdo’).
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that this year’s period of eligibility for albums is over a month longer, meaning the records needed to have been released between July 13 last year and August 29, 2025.
Following the announcement, many took to social media to share their thoughts on the shortlist. Leaving comments under the announcement post in praise of this year’s artists, most were convinced that either Fontaines D.C. or CMAT would win this year.
“The Mercury Prize is basically the only music award I pay any attention to now. No other award show has this interesting an array of nominees, both in size and sound,” wrote one X/Twitter user, with another on Instagram adding: “Best shortlist for years.”
However, some were more reluctant to praise the final list so highly and instead honed in on those who were overlooked.
“So happy for CMAT, FKA Twigs and PinkPantheress,” wrote one fan on Instagram. “But Self Esteem has been well and truly ROBBED.” Another added: “No [Geordie] Greep, BCNR or Jim Legxacy?? Makes no sense!!”
Welsh indie group Los Campesinos! pointed out that artists and labels have to submit an application with an admission fee to be considered for nomination, writing: “This understandably might discourage smaller artists! If the album/artist you love isn’t included it may be because they chose not to apply.”
not Self Esteem forgetting to wire the money over 😭 https://t.co/7EKzqRE97p
— Puds (@havingalaugh) September 10, 2025
Several fans were disappointed that records from Little Simz (‘Lotus’), Wet Leg (‘Moisturizer’) and The Cure (‘Songs Of A Lost World’) didn’t make the list.
“Guitar music is coming back baby ..but no The Cure…. Scandalous,” said one fan on Instagram. “Good to see CMAT on there,” another wrote. “No Geordie Greep though? The writing and composition on that record is something else.”