Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand: 'Antony And Johnsons Are Worthy Successors'

Scottish rockers FRANZ FERDINAND were overjoyed when ANTONY AND THE JOHNSONS controversially won this year's (05) prestigious Mercury Music Prize, because they were the most original group.

The successful indie group, who won the $36,000 (GBP20,000) award last year (04), insist Antony and The Johnsons are worthy of the accolade and were horrified when other acts questioned whether the chiefly American group qualified for the British award.

Frontman ALEX KAPRANOS has particular praise for frontman ANTONY HEGARTY's unique vocals on the winning album I AM A BIRD NOW.

He enthuses, "I'm glad Antony and the Johnsons won because the prize is supposed to be based on innovating and I've never heard another voice like it."