Paul Weller Now Favourite For Tonight's Mercury Music Prize
Tuesday, 07 September 2010
Written by Jon Stickler
Bookies have slashed the odds on Paul Weller winning the Mercury Music Prize tonight, making the Modfather's 'Wake Up The Nation' one of the favourites to scoop the coveted industry accolade.
Since its inception in 1992, previous years have shown that the Mercury Music Prize is one of the least predictable music awards with the judges often supporting new and emerging talent. However over the weekend bookmakers William Hill dropped its odds on a Paul Weller victory from 20/1 to 1/10, putting the 52-year old songwriting legend in pole position for the glory.
Recently bookmakers have experienced a huge amount of bets being made on the singer to win and online polls have been inundated with votes for Weller's tenth studio album album 'Wake Up The Nation' to scoop the award. Responding to the massive influx of bets, bookies have claimed that while there has been no improper behaviour, the drastic change in odds is just a typical response to betting patterns. Commenting on the odds, a spokesman for bookmaker William Hill told Sky News that, "This is a pretty unprecedented gamble - certainly in the history of the Mercury, and also every other music award."
During previous years the judges, who consist of a panel of figures from within the music industry, have often chosen some unexpected winners who have occasionally triumphed over more established acts. An example of this was last year, when virtually unknown artist Speech Debelle was crowned winner.
Now currently second favourite to be triumphant at tonight's awards ceremony is The XX who have been nominated for their self-titled debut album.
Other acts who have been nominated for tonight's Mercury Music Prize are:
Biffy Clyro - 'Only Revolutions'
Corinne Bailey Rae - 'The Sea'
Dizzee Rascal - 'Tongue N' Cheek'
Foals - 'Total Life Forever'
I Am Kloot - 'Sky At Night'
Kit Downes Trio - 'Golden'
Laura Marling - 'I Speak Because I Can'
Mumford and Sons - 'Sigh No More'
Paul Weller - 'Wake Up The Nation'
The XX - 'xx'
Villagers - 'Becoming a Jackal'
Wild Beasts - 'Two Dancers'
The Mercury Music Prize winner will be announced tonight at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. BBC2 and 6 Music will be broadcasting live from the ceremony.
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