Created in 1992 by Jon Webster and Robert Chandler as an alternative to the Brit Awards, the Mercury Prize is awarded for best album released in the United Kingdom by a British or Irish act. Twelve albums are shortlisted with each one receiving a specially commissioned ‘Album of the Year’ trophy, while the winner receives a cheque for £25,000 as well as a trophy.

Ten of this year’s shortlisted albums come from first time nominees with the shortlist featuring a range of artists across several different genres. From indie duo Wet Leg to Scottish jazz musician Fergus McCreadie, the Mercury Prize aims to be as diverse and inclusive as possible.

The most commercially successful album on the shortlist is Harry Styles’ Harry’s House which spent six weeks at number one. Returning nominees are Little Simz, who was nominated in 2019 but lost out to Dave’s Psychodrama, and guitarist Bernard Butler, who won the second ever Mercury Prize with Suede in 1993.

The full list of 2022 nominees are:

• Fergus McCreadie – Forest Floor
• Gwenno – Tresor
• Harry Styles – Harry’s House
• Jessie Buckley and 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