2017 Mercury Prize Shortlist Features Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, The xx

Music
27 Jul 17

The shortlist of nominees for the 2017 Mercury prize have been announced. Listed are 12 outstanding UK acts, including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Alt-J, and The xx.

The renowned music award honors one UK musician or musical group each year for producing a remarkable album. The panel of judges, which is comprised of musicians like Marcus Mumford and Ella Eyre, as well as broadcasters and music critics, has narrowed the competition down to 12 acts, and will announce the winner on 14 September. The winner will gain a massive amount of cred, not to mention a cash prize of £25,000.

2017 Mercury Prize Nominees:

Alt-J: Relaxer
The quirky alt trio won the award back in 2012 for their debut album An Awesome Wave.

The Big Moon: Love in the 4th Dimension
The all-female London indie rock quartet is nominated for their debut album.

Blossoms: Blossoms
The British indie pop band's self-titled first album hit #1 in the UK charts, and #12 in Ireland.

Loyle Carner: Yesterday's Gone
The English hip hop artist is also nominated for his debut album.

Dinosaur: Together, As One
Led by trumpeter and composer Laura Jurd, the jazz group received a nomination for best UK jazz act in Jazz FM's 2017 awards.

Glass Animals: How to Be a Human Being
The English indue rock group's critically acclaimed new album reached the top 20 in Ireland.

J Hus: Common Sense
The hip hop artist's debut album hit #6 in the UK, and #1 on the UK's R&B charts.

Sampha: Process
The soul singer has collaborated with the likes of Drake and Beyonce, and is nominated for his debut album, which hit #7 in the UK charts.

Ed Sheeran: ÷
The pop star is nominated for his divisive new album, having sold over 2 million copies since its release.

Stormzy: Gang Signs & Prayer
The hip hop artist's debut album hit #1 in Ireland and the UK. He is also one of four artists to have every track from an album in the top 100 in a single week. The others are Justin Bieber for Purpose, Beyonce for Lemonade, and The Weeknd for Starboy.

Kate Tempest: Let Them Eat Chaos
This is the poet and singer-songwriter's second nomination for the Mercury prize, the first in 2014 for her debut album Everybody Down.

The xx: I See You
The London indie band won the award previously in 2010 for their debut album. Their latest album debuted #1 in the UK charts, and hit #1 in Ireland as well.