Sam Fender sends emotional message after nomination for industry’s most prestigious award

Life just keeps getting better for Sam Fender as the singer celebrated being nominated for the Mercury Prize.

The shortlist for what is widely regarded as the industry's most prestigious award was announced on Tuesday, July 26 and included the North Shields star's sophomore record Seventeen Going Under.

The Mercury Prize is awarded each year to what renowned critics deem to be the best album released in the United Kingdom by a British or Irish act.

Only 12 albums make the shortlist each year and those are chosen by an independent panel of musicians, music presenters, producers, journalists, festival organisers, and other figures in the industry.

The award often shines a light on the most respected works of art that may not seen attention at more commercial ceremonies such as The Brit Awards and the Grammys.

Previous winners of the Mercury Prize include Pulp, Skepta and PJ Harvey, with Arlo Parks scooping the accolade in 2021.

This year Fender's Seventeen Going Under will battle it out with Harry's House by Harry Styles, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz and a self-titled effort by Wet Leg.

As the news of his nomination broke on Tuesday morning, the Geordie singer took to social media to share an emotional message.

He wrote: "So chuffed that SGU has been shortlisted for a @mercuryprize! It's a super personal record for me and the boys and for it to be recognised in this way is a real honour."

Fender also posted a short video on TikTok of him playing the guitar to title track 'Seventeen Going Under'.

Fans flocked to the comments section to share their pride at the singer's journey and the latest recognition for the album.

On release, critics praise Fender's candid lyricism, anthemic moments, and the underlying hope that soundtracked his stories of growing up in the North Tyneside town.

The full list of Mercury Prize 2022 nominees is:

Fergus McCreadie – ‘Forest Floor’

Gwenno – ‘Tresor’

Harry Styles – ‘Harry’s House’

Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler – ‘For All Our Days That Tear The Heart’

Joy Crookes – ‘Skin’

Kojey Radical – ‘Reason To Smile’

Little Simz – ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’

Nova Twins – ‘Supernova’

Sam Fender – ‘Seventeen Going Under’

Self Esteem – ‘Prioritise Pleasure’

Wet Leg – ‘Wet Leg’

Yard Act – ‘The Overload’

The winner will be announced on Thursday, September 8 at an awards show at the Eventim Apollo in London.