The British singer becomes the first artist to ever win the prestigious prize twice
PJ Harvey won the coveted 2011 Mercury Music Prize last night – 10 years after her first win – and became the first act to scoop the prestigious award twice.
The Devon-born singer-songwriter beat off stiff competition from the likes of Adele, Katy B and Tinie Tempah to bag this year’s award and a £20,000 prize for her eighth studio album, Let England Shake.
Harvey – the initials stand for Polly Jean – was named the winner at a glitzy ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, where she collected her award wearing a floor-length ethereal white gown and a feathered headdress.
In her acceptance speech, Harvey spoke of her gratitude at being able to collect her award in person this time, unlike a decade ago when she was stuck in Washington DC during the September 11th terrorist attacks.
She said: ‘It's really good to be here this evening as when I last won 10 years ago on September 11th I was watching the Pentagon burning from my hotel window.’
A clearly moved Harvey added: 'Thank you for the recognition of my work on this album.’
The songstress also performed one of the songs from her war-inspired album live at the event, as did all the other nominees, bar Adele who’s suffering from a chest infection.
PJ Harvey won the Mercury Music Prize in 2001 for her album Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.
READ MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
The viral 75 Medium challenge claims to be a friendlier alternative to the 75 Hard. So what do experts reckon?
This is, without question, the best brow lamination-style gel I've ever used—and it rakes in compliments
This new floral perfume collection is crying out for sunny weather—I can’t believe they’re all this good and under £45
