Harry Styles has made the Mercury Prize nominations shortlist for the first time ever.
The former One Direction singer, 28, secured the nomination for his third studio album Harry’s House, which has just earned its sixth week at number one on the UK album charts.
Harry’s third album has also been at the top of the charts for longer than all of One Direction’s albums combined.
The Watermelon Sugar singer joins a number of first time nominees on the shortlist including Sam Fender, who made his Glastonbury debut by performing on the iconic Pyramid stage earlier this year.
Geordie singer-songwriter Sam, 28, has been nominated for a gong for his album Seventeen Going Under.
This year’s shortlist was announced live by Nemone on BBC Radio 6 Music CT-strong shortlist also features nominations for Lil Simz, Jessie Buckley, and Isle of Wight band Wet Leg.
Lil Simz, who has been nominated for a prestigious album gong before, told Radio 6 listeners: “I am feeling grateful; very, very blessed, this is my second time round now.
“When you’re an artist, a creative making art, you just do it because it’s a release.
“I had some things to say and this was my way of expressing it and it’s a blessing people have resonated with it.
“The list is so strong so to be amongst that is definitely an honour. I definitely will carry this energy throughout me today.
”Amongst those on the shortlist is British musician Self Esteem for her second album Prioritise Pleasure as well as duo Nova Twins, Kojey Radical and Welsh musician Gwenno. (Mirror)