This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Artist News Awards
Blake the surprise winner of the Mercury Prize
By Chris Cooke | Published on Thursday 31 October 2013
So James Blake was presented with the Mercury Prize last night for his record ‘Overgrown’, a surprise decision from a judging panel possibly keen to combat accusations that they had played it too safe this year with their shortlist by picking an outsider for the actual gong.
Not that Universal-signed Blake is an especially radical winner, though the decision may shut up some of the award’s many detractors. Blake, meanwhile, gave a short but nice acceptance speech, saying: “Hello, I lost a bet. On the other hand I should thank a couple of people. Thank you everyone. Thanks to my parents for showing me how to be self-efficient. Thanks to [band members] Ben, Rob and Dan for showing me the importance of letting other people help you”.
