James Blake and Overgrown beat the odds to win the 2013 Mercury Prize
JAMES BLAKE upset the odds by winning this year's Mercury Prize for his album Overgrown, beating hot favourite Laura Mvula.
James picks up a £20,000 prize and the sought-after winner's trophy for his chart-topping album.
The 25-year-old from Enfield, north London, was nominated for a Mercury in 2011 for his self-titled first album, as well as being nominated for two Brit Awards.
The reaction to his win at the ceremony in London's Roundhouse was one of shock, with soul singer Laura Mvula heavily tipped to win.
Well, I lost the bet
As well as the prestige and publicity that goes with winning the award, Blake is likely to see a major sales boost leading into to Christmas.
"Well, I lost the bet," Blake joked after seeing off established stars like David Bowie and the Arctic Monkeys.
Established in 1992, the Mercury Prize is an annual award given to the best album from the UK and Ireland.
Nominations are chosen by a panel of musicians, music chiefs, journalists and other industry leaders.
The full shortlist:
Arctic Monkeys - AM
David Bowie - The Next Day
Disclosure - Settle
Foals - Holy Fire
Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg
James Blake - Overgrown (Winner)
Jon Hopkins - Immunity
Laura Marling - Once I Was An Eagle
Laura Mvula - Sing to the Moon
Rudimental - Home
Savages - Silence Yourself
Villagers - Awayland