Ed Sheeran admits he 'won't win' Mercury prize despite 'dream' nomination
Suffolk singer Ed Sheeran says it's a "childhood dream" to have been nominated for this year's Mercury Prize, but admits he doesn't hold out much hope of winning.
The star's latest album 'Divide' has been included on the 12-strong shortlist for the prestigious award, with the winner being announced in September.
Sheeran will have to see off competition from the likes of Stormzy and Cambridge band alt-J if he's to pick up the award, and writing on Instagram, he confessed that he's not expecting to walk away with the title.
The 12 nominated acts
Alt-J - Relaxer
Blossoms - Blossoms
Dinosaur - Together, As One
Ed Sheeran - ÷ (Divide)
Glass Animals - How To Be A Human Being
J Hus - Common Sense
Kate Tempest - Let Them Eat Chaos
Loyle Carner- Yesterday's Gone
Sampha - Process
Stormzy - Gang Signs and Prayer
The Big Moon - Love in the 4th Dimension
The xx - I See You
The 26-year-old has never received a nomination before, despite his first two albums selling millions of copies around the world.