ED Sheeran will face off with friend and collaborator Stormzy in the battle for this year’s Mercury Prize.
Sheeran’s record-breaking third album Divide and grime star Stormzy’s debut record Gang Signs And Prayers are both on the 12-strong shortlist. It is Sheeran’s first appearance on the shortlist.
Also included are The xx with I See You, fellow previous winners Alt-J with Relaxer, and poet Kate Tempest’s Let Them Eat Chaos.
Other nominees are Indie pop band Blossoms, rapper Loyle Carner, and jazz-inflected Dinosaur.
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