Sam Fender crowned winner of Mercury Prize 2025

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025 - 22:18

Ellie Crabbe and Tom Wilkinson, PA

Singer-songwriter Sam Fender has won the 2025 Mercury Prize for his third album People Watching.

The announcement was made at the award ceremony which was held in Newcastle on Thursday night, marking the first time the event has been held outside London.

North Shields-born Fender beat competition from Britpop band Pulp, Irish singer CMAT and post-punks Fontaines DC, among others.

DJ Lauren Laverne hosted the ceremony and judge Sian Eleri revealed the 31-year-old had won at the Utilita Arena after performances from a number of the nominees including FKA Twigs and Martin Carthy.

Founded in 1992, the award recognises the best British or Irish album of the year.

Last year, four-piece indie band English Teacher won the prize for their debut album This Could Be Texas.

Fender was previously nominated for Seventeen Going Under in 2022.