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Sam Fender has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize for his third studio album, People Watching.
The singer-songwriter won the prestigious music award just a stone’s throw from where he was raised, in North Shields, as this year’s ceremony took place at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle for the first time.
He beat fellow shortlisted artists including rock bands Fontaines DC and Wolf Alice, Irish pop star CMAT, and Britpop icons Pulp.
Fender, whose career has skyrocketed since he broke through with his 2019 debut, Hypersonic Missiles – recently completed a huge run of shows including three nights at the 52,000-capacity St James’ Park in Newcastle. He was previously shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2022 for his second album, Seventeen Going Under.
He was the last artist to perform during the ceremony, receiving a deafening roar from the live audience as he appeared onstage for a rendition of the title track, “People Watching”.
“I think, judging by that reaction, he might just be playing to a home crowd,” host Lauren Laverne said.
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