essie Ware is on cloud nine after receiving her second Mercury Prize nomination and at 38 says she is proud to be the oldest woman shortlisted.
The London-born singer-songwriter was first nominated 11 years ago for her debut record Devotion and has received a nod again for her fifth offering That! Feels Good! In-between, she has also served as a panel member for the coveted gong.
Speaking to press including the Standard after the full 2023 shortlist was announced, the Say You Love Me hit-maker said: “I think it’s incredibly prestigious and whether you’re on the panel or you’re shortlisted, or you’re a punter looking in, you look at that shortlist and you respect the time, effort and thought that has gone into that.
“To be up for it a second time eleven year’s on from the last one feels really amazing.
“Apparently I’m the oldest woman in the shortlist this time around – I live to fight another day,” she joked.
This is Jessie Ware’s second Mercury Prize nomination
/ Getty ImagesReflecting on what it would mean to her to win, Ware said: “I think it would mean a lot. I feel like I’ve worked very hard to become the artist that I am now being celebrated.
“I have had highs and lows and I’ve learnt a lot and I think for me as a popstar to show that pop has no age limits.
“You can see when you look at Kylie [Minogue] having the biggest success with Padam Padam I think that’s a really wonderful place to be and I’m very proud of the music that I make and being a woman in music still making it.
“Winning would mean a lot, but being on the shortlist is fabulous.”
12 albums have been shortlisted for this year’s Mercury Prize.
The winner will be announced during a show on September 7 at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith.
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