Lily Allen in tears at Mercury Awards after being ‘robbed’ of prize by Wolf Alice

Allen was nominated for her album No Shame
Emma Powell21 September 2018
The Weekender

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Lily Allen broke down in tears at the Hyundai Mercury Music Prize ceremony after missing out on the coveted award to Wolf Alice.

The British band fought off competition from Allen, Arctic Monkeys, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and King Krule at Thursday night’s ceremony.

Allen called on fans to call emergency services following the announcement, joking she had been “robbed”.

She tweeted: “Someone call 999 I’ve been robbed.

“I adore @wolfalice tho, and they are very deserved winners. Next time......... imma win that bitch. Belting out What A Wonderful World.”

'Robbed': an emotional Lily Allen at the awards ceremony
BBC Four

Allen was nominated for her critically-acclaimed album No Shame which she dropped in June after a four year hiatus.

She applauded the north London four-piece before being comforted by a friend as she burst into tears.

Disappointment: Lily Allen on the red carpet
PA Wire/PA Images

Wolf Alice looked stunned as they took to the stage at Hammersmith Apollo to accept the award which honours innovation in music.

Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell said: “Thank-you so much, this means so much to pick this up with my three best friends.”

Celebrations: Wolf Alice looked shocked as they picked up their win
AFP/Getty Images

Band mate Theo Ellis added: “When we first started as a band, we walked into a meeting and a geezer said ‘You don't look like a band at all’.

“He also said he didn't want to work with women who wore make up.

“I can't believe it, big up everyone who was nominated, this means the world, thank-you so much.”

He joked: “Has anyone got a Jagerbomb?”

It was the second time the band had been in the running for the prestigious prize after their debut My Love Is Cool was shortlisted in 2015.

Other artists shortlisted for this year’s prize included Nadine Shah, Jorja Smith, Novelist, Sons of Kemet, Florence and the Machine, Everything Everything and Richard Russell.

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