Mercury Prize 2017 shortlist: Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and The xx lead nominations

This year’s Mercury Prize shortlist has been announced with a broad range of nominees including Kate Tempest, Stormzy, and, perhaps most surprising of all, Ed Sheeran.

Chart-topping albums often go unrecognised by the award, which is seen as something of a platform for up-and-coming artists, making Sheeran’s latest record ÷, which sold 672,000 units within just one week in the UK, a rather controversial choice.

Previous winners to appear on the list include The xx, who won with their self-titled debut album in 2010, and alt-J, who took home the prize in 2012.

Also representing the indie band genre are The Big Moon, with their debut Love in the 4th Dimension, Blossoms, who recently appeared on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, and Glass Animals. This year’s “token jazz band” is Dinosaur, a four-piece ensemble led by trumpet player Laura Jurd.

Currently, the bookies favourite is grime artist Stormzy, who made waves with the impressive Gang Signs & Prayers, closely followed by Sampha, who has previously collaborated with Frank Ocean, Kanye West, and SBTRKT.

Last year, Skepta won the prestigious award with the album Konnichiwa, becoming the first grime artist to win since Dizzee Rascal in 2003 with Boy in da Corner.

The winner – who takes home £25,000 – will be announced on the 14 September during a broadcast ceremony that will see many of the nominees perform. See the full list of nominated albums below.

alt-J: Relaxer

The Big Moon: Love in the 4th Dimension

Blossoms: Blossoms

Loyle Carner: Yesterday’s Gone

Dinosaur: Together, As One

Glass Animals: How to Be a Human Being

J Hus: Common Sense

Sampha: Process

Ed Sheeran: ÷

Stormzy: Gang Signs & Prayer

Kate Tempest: Let Them Eat Chaos

The xx: I See You