CMAT is having the year of her life! The Irish sensation just secured her second Mercury Prize nomination with her critically acclaimed third album “Euro-Country,” proving that her unique blend of country-pop brilliance and razor-sharp wit has officially conquered the UK music scene.
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The Last-Minute Mercury Miracle
Talk about perfect timing! CMAT‘s “Euro-Country” album literally squeezed onto the Mercury Prize 2025 shortlist by the skin of its teeth, releasing on August 29—the final day of eligibility. This stroke of fate has positioned the Dublin-born artist among music’s elite, competing alongside established heavyweights like Fontaines D.C., Wolf Alice, and Sam Fender.
The announcement came on September 10, 2025, during a live BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast that sent CMAT fans into overdrive across social media platforms.
Who Is CMAT? The Irish Breakout Star
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson |
| Born | February 23, 1996 |
| Origin | Dublin, Ireland |
| Mercury Nominations | 2 (2023 & 2025) |
| Albums | 3 studio releases |
| Latest Album | Euro-Country (2025) |
| Chart Success | #1 Ireland, #2 UK |
| Notable Performance | Glastonbury Pyramid Stage 2025 |
“Euro-Country”: A Career-Defining Masterpiece
CMAT‘s third studio album isn’t just another collection of catchy tunes—it’s a bold cultural statement. The record tackles everything from Irish identity and economic struggle to body image and modern relationships, all wrapped in Thompson’s signature blend of humor and heartbreak.
The album has earned universal critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone praising its “fiery, splendid collection of songs” and The Guardian awarding it five stars. Critics consistently highlight CMAT‘s ability to balance devastating honesty with infectious melodies, creating what Pitchfork called “a lonely album with a whopping heart.”
The Viral Glastonbury Moment That Changed Everything
CMAT‘s 2025 Glastonbury performance became the stuff of legend when thousands of festival-goers performed the “Woke Macarena” to her hit “Take a Sexy Picture of Me.” The moment perfectly encapsulated her appeal: serious artistry delivered with pure joy and zero pretension.
The performance also showcased CMAT‘s political convictions, as she made a powerful statement supporting Palestinians at the end of her set, demonstrating the fearless authenticity that has made her a voice for her generation.
Mercury Prize 2025: A Star-Studded Competition
This year’s Mercury Prize moves to Newcastle for the first time in its 33-year history, with the ceremony taking place at Utilita Arena on October 16. CMAT faces stiff competition from:
- Fontaines D.C. with “Romance”
- Wolf Alice with “The Clearing”
- Sam Fender with “People Watching”
- Pulp with their comeback album “More”
- FKA twigs with “Eusexua”
The diverse shortlist celebrates everything from folk to electronic music, but CMAT stands out as the perfect blend of accessibility and artistic ambition.
From Dublin to Global Stardom
CMAT‘s journey reads like a modern music fairy tale. After studying at Trinity College Dublin, she briefly moved to Denmark for a songwriting camp before relocating to Manchester to pursue music. Following a difficult period, she returned to Dublin and began self-releasing music online, eventually catching the attention of radio stations and building a devoted fanbase.
Her previous albums “If My Wife New I’d Be Dead” (2022) and “Crazymad, For Me” (2023) both hit #1 in Ireland, establishing her as a commercial force alongside critical darling. The latter earned her first Mercury Prize nomination, making this year’s nod even more significant.
What Makes CMAT Special?
CMAT represents everything exciting about contemporary music: genre-blending creativity, fearless political commentary, and the rare ability to make profound statements through pop songs. As she told one interviewer, “I’m making music for the girls and the gays, and that’s it”—a statement that perfectly captures her inclusive, unapologetic approach.
Her music tackles weighty subjects like capitalism, Irish identity, and personal trauma while maintaining an irresistible sense of humor. It’s this balance that has made her a festival headliner and critical favorite simultaneously.
The Road to Mercury Glory
With “Euro-Country” earning widespread acclaim and CMAT establishing herself as one of Europe’s most compelling new voices, her Mercury Prize chances look stronger than ever. Whether she takes home the £25,000 prize or not, this nomination cements her status as an artist who matters—one whose voice will shape music for years to come.
Keep up with the latest Mercury Prize 2025 news and CMAT updates on NME
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