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!
News & Events
Antony & The Johnsons Win Nationwide Mercury Prize!
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