Ella Eyre wants to collaborate with Ed Sheeran and claims Stormzy will go down in history ahead of Mercury Prize
ELLA Eyre has rejected criticism of Ed Sheeran's inclusion on the Mercury Prize 2017 shortlist, instead revealing she would love the chance to collaborate with him.
The pop star was also full of praise for Stormzy, the joint favourite for this year's award alongside Sampha, claiming the grime star will go down in history following the release of his debut Gang Signs and Prayer.
Speaking to The Sun Online at a nominations launch inside The Langham hotel, Ella said: "There's a few qualms about Ed Sheeran, but he wrote the biggest album of the year and there's no denying he can write a bloody good pop song. I'd love to write a song with Ed Sheeran.
"Stormzy's amazing. and what a great guy. I love him. He really made an eclectic album that was accessible for all types of people and he's going to go down in history I think. I love him as a person, even if he only appeared in one of my videos that would be great."
The Good Times singer is on this year's judging panel alongside the likes of Marcus Mumford, Lianne La Havas, Clara Amfo and Jamie Cullum.
Joining Ed and Stormzy on the shortlist are: Sampha, J Hus, Blossoms, Dinosaurs, The Big Moon, Alt J, Kate Tempest, The XX, Loyle Carner and Glass Animals.
"There was a lot of personality on the shortlist," explained Ella. "A lot of feeling. It's a very diverse list and I'm proud of that. The first meeting we're not allowed to say anything negative, which was hard for me because I'm the most cynical person in the world.
"I certainly changed my mind a few times. I'm terrified about the next bit."
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Ella added that she was on the verge of releasing her own new material which will sound different to anything she's put out before.
The winner of the prestigious accolade will be announced on September 14 at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, in London and will be broadcast on BBC Four and BBC Radio 6 Music.
The event will feature live performances from many of the shortlisted artists and the evening will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize. The winner will receive the prize money of £25,000.
Last year's winner was Skepta for his critically-acclaimed LP 'Konnichiwa'.
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