Coffee Break: Mercury Prize
by Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala
October 16, 2025

It’s time again for The Mercury Prize! The annual award celebrates the best albums from artists in the U.K and Ireland. The way it works is that twelve albums of the year are shortlisted, which was announced back in September.
The overall winner will be announced on Thursday, and that winner will receive a trophy and a cash prize of £25,000 (about $33,455).
We’ll announce the winner when we find out who picks up the grand prize. Take a look at the nominees, and then suggest your favorites to create a prize-winning playlist!
So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs from albums shortlisted for the Mercury Prize would you like to hear?
Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.
Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.
Songs Played
CMAT- When A Good Man Cries
Wolf Alice- Bloom Baby Bloom
Pulp- Spike Island
FKA Twigs- Eusexua
Fontaines D.C.- Favourite
Sam Fender- People Watching
