Debby Friday takes home 2023 Polaris Prize

Toronto based artist, Debby Friday, has won the 2023 Polaris Prize for her debut album Good Luck. 

The artist's debut offering, featuring the hit single 'So Hard to Tell,' earned the singer a $50,000 cash prize after it won the award, which is given annually to the best Canadian album of the year.

In her acceptance speech, the artist expressed her gratitude: "I'm a believer in miracles. I'm a believer in destiny and I feel like right now, this moment is so special because it just shows me what happens when you stay true to yourself."

She goes on to describe her own "strangeness" as a "gift".

221 albums were originally condensed into a longlist before being narrowed to a 10-album shortlist. Friday was shortlisted anlonside Daniel Caesar’s Never Enough, Alvvays’ Blue Rev and Feist’s Multitudes, plus albums by Aysanabee, Begonia, Dan Mangan, Gayance, the Sadies, and Snotty Nose Rez Kids.

Last year Pierre Kwenders’ won the award for his album, José Louis and the Paradox of Love. Other past winners include Kaytranada’s 99.9%, Godspeed You! Black Emperor’s Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend!, Feist’s Metals and Fucked Up’s The Chemistry of Common Life.

Watch Debby Friday's Official video for 'So Hard To Tell' Below: