Sam Fender wins 2025 Mercury Prize for ‘People Watching’

Sam Fender has been named the winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize for ‘People Watching’, his third album, at a suitably emotional ceremony in his local city of Newcastle. 

This year saw the Mercury Prize move outside London for the very first time, heading up North - to the Toon’s Utilita Arena - for a night which featured performances from nearly all of the shortlisted artists, including indie legends Pulp, DIY faves Wolf Alice, rap luminary Pa Salieu and folk icon Martin Carthy, as well as a triumphant closing turn from Sam himself. 

‘People Watching’ was named the 2025 Mercury Prize’s Album of the Year after a hotly contested judging process, which BBC Radio 1’s Sian Eleri described as “more challenging than ever”. 

Explaining their decision, she said: “All 12 records on the shortlist worked so well on their own terms, ranging from ancient ballads to futuristic electronics. After much discussion, however, we all decided on one album that stood out for its cohesion, character and ambition. It felt like a classic album, which will take pride of place in record collections for years to come. 

“‘People Watching’ by Sam Fender is both melody-rich and expansive, marrying heartland rock with the realities of everyday life and the importance of community. These are thoughtful songs with broad appeal, as cinematic as they are intimate, making ‘People Watching’ a worthy winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize for Album of the Year.”