The Klaxons surprisingly scooped the prestigious Nationwide Mercury Prize last night (04.09.07). The London-based four piece saw off stiff competition from 11 other acts, including Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, Jamie T, The View and Bat For Lashes, to take the coveted award for their debut LP 'Myths of the Near Future'.
Speaking after collecting the prize, singer and bassist Jamie Reynolds - who was sporting a leg cast following a stage dive that went wrong - said: "We couldn't be any happier and we think it's about the fact the judging panel respect forward thinking music and we think we made the most forward thinking record of the last few years."
Asked what they were going to do with the £20,000 prize money, the group joked they were giving it away to "advances in telepathy". Reynolds also took a swipe at Winehouse, saying "I am not surprised we beat Winehouse. Her record is retro and these awards are there to reward thinking music. We have made the most forward thinking record of the year."
The Klaxons' win was somewhat overshadowed by the appearance of Amy Winehouse at the glitzy ceremony held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. The troubled singer - who flew back to London on Monday (03.09.07) following a Caribbean break in St. Lucia with husband Blake Fielder-Civil - arrived over an hour late for proceedings, arm-in-arm with Blake. Amy - wearing a colourful 80s-style mini-dress - headed straight to the stage for a beautiful performance of 'Love is a Losing Game', from her nominated 'Back to Black' album.
The Nationwide Mercury Prize recognises the best British or Irish album of the last 12 months and is considered by music commentators to be one of the most prestigious accolades.
Meanwhile, Amy Winehouse has denied she is fleeing the UK for the US. The troubled 'Rehab' singer rubbished reports she plans to move Stateside permanently.
When asked if she was planning to leave her home country, Amy angrilyreplied: "No". | 
