People watching as Sam rises for home Mercury Prize win

HERE were wild celebrations in Newcastle on Thursday night as Sam Fender won the Mercury Prize on home turf.

- SIMON DUKE

Singer-songwriter Sam claimed the 2025 top award for his third album People Watching.

The announcement was made at the award ceremony in Newcastle on Thursday night, marking the first time the prestigious event has been held outside London.

Jubilant crowds cheered for local lad Fender, born and raised in North Shields, who beat competition from Britpop band Pulp, Irish singer CMAT and post-punks Fontaines DC, among others.

Sunderland-born DJ Lauren Laverne hosted the ceremony and judge Sian Eleri revealed the 31-year-old had won at the Utilita Arena after performances from a number of the nominees, including FKA Twigs and Martin Carthy.

In the hours leading up to the event, bookies had predicted a two-horse race between Irish acts CMAT and Fontaines DC, with Euro-country star CMAT who was Sam's summer support act the hot favourite to win after an incredible year.

However, it was Sam only eighth in the final Mercury winner odds before the announcement who ended up being the toast of Newcastle, as People Watching took home this year's accolade.

The second he stepped on stage flanked by his talented bandmates, you could tell that Sam was in a state of utter shock at winning, although he must have been hugely encouraged by the wild reaction he received in the room.

Accepting the award, he thanked other nominees, saying "we're in great company".