South Shields-born star Jade announced on Mercury Prize shortlist
Two North East acts, including a star from South Shields, have been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.
South Shields-born popstar Jade has been announced on the shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize.
The highly coveted award is given to the British or Irish artist with the best album every year and is currently held by North Tyneside’s Sam Fender.
Jade released her debut solo album, named ‘That’s Showbiz Baby’, in September 2025 and received glowing reviews from across the press and fans alike.
It reached number three in the UK album charts. The album’s first single, ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ was released in 2024 and reached the number seven spot in the singles charts.
The song was nominated in the Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting last year.
Sam Fender won the 2025 event in Newcastle - the first time the awards ceremony had taken place outside London since its inception in 1992. It returns to the region this year with Newcastle’s Utilita Arena hosting the show once again.
A full week of events and shows known as the Mercury Prize Fringe will return this year offering up and coming local acts the chance to showcase their talents to new audiences.
Jade, who is a former member of chart toppers Little Mix, is not the only North East representation on the shortlist. She will be facing off against Newcastle-based jazz group Knats, who were also nominated for their second album ‘A Great Day In Newcastle’ which was released in May 2026.
Tickets are available for the ceremony, which takes place on Thursday, October 22.
Jade and Knats will face off against the latest releases from fellow artists Dave, Dove Ellis, Florence And The Machine, Jojoy Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney, Raye and Suede.
The charity album ‘HELP (2)’ from War Child Records is also on the shortlist. The album was released earlier this year to raise funds for young people living through war across the world.
In addition to Sam Fender, other recent past recipients of the award include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Arlo Parks and Wolf Alice.
Each year, the 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ list is curated by an independent judging team of music industry professionals.