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

School Disco enter darker waters with hypnotic new single

Brighton quartet School Disco return with 'Happen', and from its opening hypnotic pulse, there's an immediate sense of gravity shifting.... 8 months 2 days ago

Chet Faker returns with new single 'Inefficient Love'

One of Australia’s most celebrated voices, Chet Faker (aka Nick Murphy) makes a soul-baring return with 'Inefficient Love', a delicate and... 8 months 2 days ago

Nico Cann delivers new single 'Lose My Mind'

London-based singer-songwriter Nico Cann returns with 'Lose My Mind'. From the opening notes of the Roland Jazz Chorus riff, there’s a sense of place... 8 months 3 days ago

Coach Party collaborate with Black Honey for new single 'Disco Dream'

Isle of Wight indie force Coach Party have joined forces with fellow UK alt-rock favourites Black Honey for their new single 'Disco Dream', a glitter... 8 months 4 days ago

Gurriers return with new single 'Erasure'

Following the blistering reception to their debut album 'Come and See', Irish quintet Gurriers roar back with 'Erasure', a confrontational and... 8 months 4 days ago

Yukimi returns with new single 'Get Over It'

Yukimi, the acclaimed vocalist and co-founder of Grammy-nominated trailblazers Little Dragon, returns with her latest solo release 'Get It Over', a... 8 months 5 days ago

DZ Deathrays announce new album 'Easing Out Of Control'

Fresh from a triumphant run of EU headline shows and summer festival stages alongside the likes of Linkin Park and Fontaines D.C., Australian rock... 8 months 5 days ago

Sunflower Bean share new single 'Crashing Highs'

New York’s Sunflower Bean return with 'Crashing Highs', the first of five new tracks set to expand their acclaimed album 'Mortal Primetime' into a... 8 months 5 days ago

The Last Dinner Party share new single 'The Scythe'

The Last Dinner Party return with 'The Scythe', the second glimpse into their forthcoming sophomore album 'From The Pyre', out 17th October via... 8 months 6 days ago