James Blake beats off stiff opposition to win Barclaycard Mercury Prize

James Blake was moments ago crowned this years winner of the 2013 Barclaycard Mercury Prize - beating off extremely tough opposition from the likes of Arctic Monkeys, David Bowie, Foals and more. 

After an evening that took place at The Roundhouse in London and saw performances from majority of the shortlisted acts, excluding Laura Marling and David Bowie, it was the twenty five year old singer-songwriter who took home the prestigious prize for his second album, 'Overgrown' - as well as £20,000 in prize money.

Speaking after his win, Blake gave a very short speech where he predominantly thanked his parents and then forgot to take his award with him after initially walking off - only to quickly retrace his steps to ensure he didn't leave it behind. 

James Blake - this years Mercury Prize winner with his album, 'Overgrown'

The win came as somewhat as a shock for some as going into tonight's award ceremony it was Disclosure with their debut album 'Settle' that was the bookmakers favourite to win the award.

If you missed any of tonight's 'More4' coverage - you will be able to see the full show which will include all of the performances, on Channel 4 tomorrow evening at 10pm. 

Do you think the right artist won? If not, who do you think really deserved the award? Let us know. 

The full short list was as followed:

Arctic Monkeys – AM
David Bowie – Next Day
Disclosure – Settle
Foals – Holy Fire
Jake Bugg – Jake Bugg
James Blake – Overgrown
Jon Hopkins – Immunity
Laura Marling – Once I Was An Eagle
Laura Mvula – Sing To The Moon
Rudimental – Home
Savages – Silence Yourself
Villagers – Awayland

George Henry King

www.twitter.com/georgehenryking