Gigwise is reporting that troubled singer Amy Winehouse has arrived at the Grosvenor Hotel in London for the Mercury Music Prize ceremony, set to begin in just a few hours. Her arrival is fueling speculation that she is tapped to win the award, given out for best British album of the year. Her appearance was far from assured; in fact, NME reported a few hours ago that Winehouse would be pulling out of the ceremony, only to pull the story and instead post an article about the singer’s arrival and soundcheck.
As we noted earlier, Winehouse’s personal issues and alleged drug use caused London bookies to knock down her odds at winning the annual prize; she had been considered the front-runner. While newcomer Bat For Lashes’ haunting Fur and Gold is now the current favorite at 7/4 odds, rumors are apparently circulating that Winehouse, who flew into the UK just yesterday, changed plans to be at the ceremony in anticipation of a win.
NME writers are, understandably, pulling for so-called “Nu Ravers” The Klaxons, and solo electronic artist Maps remains a dark horse with his dreamy album We Can Create. 21-year-old singer Jamie T is also considered a strong contender, with oddsmakers placing him just behind Bat For Lashes. Personally, I highly enjoy Winehouse, The Klaxons, Maps, and fellow-nominees Arctic Monkeys, but Bat For Lashes is my fave too, if only for the trick-riding bunnies in her video.
That clip and some other nominees’ videos after the jump; stay tuned to the Riff where we’ll post the winner when it’s announced.
Bat For Lashes – “What’s a Girl to Do?”
Jamie T – “Sheila”
Klaxons – “Gravity’s Rainbow”
Maps – “You Don’t Know Her Name”
Amy Winehouse – “You Know I’m No Good”