Over the objection of many who claimed that the androgynous torch singer should not qualify for a prize meant only for artists from Britain or Ireland, Antony and the Johnsons won the UK's Nationwide Mercury Prize for the best album of the year for I Am A Bird Now.

Though most know him best as a quintessentially NYC performer, Antony was actually born in England, in a town called Chichester, which qualifies him for the prize, even with his current expatriate status.  In winning the Mercury Prize, Antony bested other contenders the likes of M.I.A., Coldplay, Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, The Go! Team and Maximo Park.  In addition to the prestige of winning the prize, Antony also receives 20,000 little pieces of paper with the Queen's picture to do with what he wishes.  According to the Nationwide Mercury Prize homepage, Antony is currently shooting a video with Boy George for their duet, the upcoming single "You Are My Sister."

We here at Brainwashed would like to extend congratulations to Antony, a singularly talented artist who we have been applauding for years.  Brainwashed reviewed Antony's debut single and album on Durtro/World Serpent Distribution when it was first released back in 2000, years before the international bandwagon jump that followed the release of his second album. 

So never mind the naysayers who claim that you're not British enough to win the Mercury Prize, Antony!  You'll grow back like a starfish!