The Mercury Prize to include public vote

With the award due to celebrate its 25th anniversary later this year, organisers of the Mercury Music Prize have announced that this year's shortlist announcement will include a public vote.

Rather than the simple announcing of 12 albums for the award going through on the night, the 12 records will be voted for by the people. Then the top 6 from that will go on to the judging panel, which this year includes Jarvis Cocker, Jamie Cullum, Annie Mac, Naughty Boy, Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell and Kate Tempest, before a winner is eventually named.

It isn't known whether this is a permanent change to the award structure or just for the 25th anniversary, but you will be able to get your say when the initial shortlist for the award is announced on the 4th August.

More News

Pond share new single 'Through The Heather'

Australian psych-rock shapeshifters Pond continue teasing their upcoming album 'Terrestrials' with the release of expansive new single 'Through the... 1 month 3 weeks ago

Bloc Party announce new album 'Anatomy Of A Brief Romance'

British indie icons Bloc Party return with details of their seventh studio album 'Anatomy Of A Brief Romance', arriving on the 11th September via... 1 month 3 weeks ago

Fat Dog return with new single 'Go Fuck Urself'

South London chaos merchants Fat Dog are back with the brilliantly unhinged new single 'Go Fuck Urself', a euphoric electro-pop explosion that... 1 month 3 weeks ago

The Last Dinner Party return with new single 'Big Dog'

The Last Dinner Party have officially unveiled long-awaited single 'Big Dog', a track that has already become a cult favourite through the band’s... 1 month 3 weeks ago

EverWill returns with new single 'Sure Thing'

There is something refreshingly sincere about the way EverWill approaches 'Sure Thing'. At a time when so much modern pop-punk leans heavily into... 1 month 4 weeks ago

Yard Act announce new album 'You're Gonna Need A Little Music'

Leeds outfit Yard Act have announced their third studio album 'You’re Gonna Need A Little Music', arriving on the 17th July via Island Records,... 1 month 4 weeks ago

Personal Trainer announce new album 'Human Assholes'

Dutch indie collective Personal Trainer have announced their new album 'Human Assholes', arriving on the 4th September via Bella Union, alongside... 1 month 4 weeks ago

Frank Gappa unveils new single 'Cliff Hanger'

There’s a familiar emotional tension running through 'Cliff Hanger', the latest single from Chicago-based singer-songwriter Frank Gappa. It’s a song... 2 months 4 hours ago

Bleachers drop new single 'i'm not joking'

Bleachers step back into the spotlight with 'i’m not joking', the latest cut from their forthcoming fifth album 'everyone for ten minutes', due on... 2 months 2 days ago