Feist beat out the likes of M.I.A. and fellow Canadians Arcade Fire and Stars to take the 2007 Shortlist Prize on Monday for her album “The Reminder.”

The award, considered the American equivalent of Britain’s prestigious Mercury Prize, recognizes artists more for critical acclaim than commercial success. To be eligible, albums must have been released between January and November 2007 and have sold fewer than 500,000 units in the U.S.

Feist beat out nine other nominees to become the first Canadian to win the prize, which was launched in 2001.

This year’s winner was chosen by a panel of music industry insiders including Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, the Killers’ Ronnie Vannucci and journalist Rev. Moose.

“The Reminder” is Feist’s third solo album and has now reached sales of nearly 515,000 in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The Toronto- and Paris-based singer already has four Grammy and five Juno nominations, and will perform at the Juno award ceremony on April 6.






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