Singer-songwriter Charli XCX is among the nominees for this year's Mercury Prize, as announced by the organisers of the British music award on Thursday.
The Mercury Prize, first awarded to Primal Scream in 1992, annually shortlists 12 albums released by British and Irish acts in the United Kingdom. The prize is worth £25,000.
Unlike the BRIT Awards, which focus on mainstream pop music, the Mercury Prize is open to all music genres.
Charli XCX, who was born in Essex, is nominated for her album "Brat." The lime green cover of "Brat" was recently adopted by US presidential hopeful Kamala Harris's campaign for her "Kamala HQ" social media account, following a post by the pop star.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in September.
In 2023, Charli XCX made significant strides in her music career. In April, she debuted at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
In June, she released the single "Speed Drive" as part of Barbie the Album, the soundtrack for Greta Gerwig’s film Barbie. The single reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart and number 73 on the US Singles Chart, marking her first entry since 2014.
Charli XCX co-composed the music for the film Bottoms alongside Leo Birenberg. In August, she collaborated with Addison Rae on the song "2 Die 4" from Rae's extended play AR, and in October, she teamed up with Sam Smith on the single "In the City."
At the 2023 Fashion Awards in December, Charli XCX announced her next album, expected to release in 2024.
Charli XCX, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, was discovered on Myspace in 2008 and gained fame with her collaboration on Icona Pop's "I Love It." She is known for blending electronic, punk, and experimental genres in her music.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.