2021 Mercury Awards: Arlo Parks won best British album

21-year-old soul singer Annie Mac said when accepting the award: “Wow, I can’t speak at all. I don’t have the word.”

After thanking her family in tears, she said: “It takes a lot of sacrifice and hard work to come here. Sometimes I am not sure if I can survive.

“But I am here. Thank you very much.”

One of the judges, Anne Mack, told host Lauren Lavern that we will need her “uplifting and warm” voice more than ever in 2021.

She won the award for the album Collapsed In Sunbeams and became the first Mercury Award winner born in the 21st century.

Before winning, the soul star, whose real name is Anais Marinho, revealed that she had ridden the Hammersmith Apollo on the way to school. “It’s still totally surreal [to be a nominee],” she said, “it hasn’t completely sunk yet. “

Rockers Black Country, New Road has stated that they will spend £25,000 in bonuses on “as many food and beverage discounts as possible”.

Mogwai, Ghetts and Laura Mvula also participated in the performance.

This year’s jury includes DJ Annie Mac, musician Jamie Cullum, songwriter Anna Calvi, broadcaster Danielle Perry, DJ Gemma Cairney and musician Hazel Wilde.

The Mercury Award Ceremony will be held at Eventim Apollo in London on September 9th and will be broadcast on BBC 4.