Imagine tuning into a prestigious music awards ceremony, only to find that one of the most iconic performances of the night is hilariously—and inexplicably—paired with subtitles from a classic murder mystery show. That’s exactly what happened during Pulp’s set at the Mercury Prize 2025, and it’s left fans scratching their heads and laughing in equal measure. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: frontman Jarvis Cocker took to Instagram to share “compelling evidence” of the blunder, complete with screenshots that prove their performance was subtitled with lines from an episode of Miss Marple. Yes, you read that right—Miss Marple. And this is the part most people miss: Cocker even joked, “I suspect the butler…..” in his post, adding a playful twist to the bizarre mix-up.
The Mercury Prize ceremony, broadcast live by the BBC from Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, was a star-studded affair. Among the 12 shortlisted acts, Sam Fender, Pulp, FKA Twigs, and Wolf Alice took the stage, delivering performances that captivated the audience. Richard Hawley joined Pulp for their rendition of ‘Spike Island,’ but it was the unexpected subtitles that stole the show. Cocker’s Instagram post, complete with a shoutout to Peter Chilvers for gathering the evidence and Brian Eno for sounding the alarm, quickly went viral, sparking laughter and confusion across social media.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a genuine technical error, or a cleverly orchestrated stunt to grab attention? While most are chalking it up to a hilarious mistake, some fans are speculating whether Pulp—known for their quirky and unconventional style—might have had a hand in the chaos. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
The night’s big winner was Sam Fender, whose album People Watching took home the top prize. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Fender led the crowd in a chant of “Toon Toon” and thanked fellow nominees like CMAT and Fontaines D.C., calling them “great company.” He also dedicated the award to the late Annie Orwin, the inspiration behind his winning album. Fender’s performance of the title track earned a standing ovation, cementing his place as one of the standout acts of the evening.
The Mercury Prize 2025 marked a significant shift for the awards, moving from its traditional London home to Newcastle as part of a partnership with Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority. The relocation was accompanied by a week-long fringe programme celebrating northern talent, a move that highlights the growing recognition of artists outside the capital. Last year’s winner, English Teacher, made history as the first non-London act to win since Edinburgh’s Young Fathers in 2014, and this year’s northern focus continues that trend.
And this is the part most people miss: The eligibility period for this year’s albums was extended by over a month, spanning from July 13, 2024, to August 29, 2025. This change allowed for a broader range of releases to be considered, potentially influencing the diversity of the shortlist. With performances from FKA Twigs, Wolf Alice, and others, the ceremony was a testament to the richness of the UK music scene—subtitling mishaps aside.
So, what’s your take on Pulp’s Miss Marple moment? A hilarious accident or a genius publicity stunt? And does the Mercury Prize’s move to Newcastle signal a new era for UK music awards? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!
