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

Sigrid announces new album 'There's Always More That I Could Say'

Norwegian pop trailblazer Sigrid returns with the announcement of her eagerly awaited third album 'There’s Always More That I Could Say', out on the... 9 months 3 hours ago

Abbey Lane shares new single 'Better Man'

Abbey Lane’s latest single 'Bigger Man' feels like the moment when hindsight sharpens into clarity. Built from fragments of old songs and reimagined... 9 months 1 day ago

Mac DeMarco shares new single 'Phantom'

Mac DeMarco unveils 'Phantom', the final single before the release of his highly anticipated new album 'Guitar', arriving this Friday 22nd August via... 9 months 1 day ago

Home Counties share new single 'New Best Thing'

Home Counties return with a jolt of swagger and synth-fuelled chaos on new single 'New Best Thing', the latest glimpse into their upcoming second... 9 months 1 day ago

Patrick Wolf releases new EP 'Better Or Worse'

Following the acclaim of his album 'Crying The Neck', Patrick Wolf returns with the 'Better Or Worse' EP, out now via Apport / Virgin Music. The six-... 9 months 2 days ago

The Cribs announce new album 'Selling A Vibe'

The Cribs return after five years with 'Selling A Vibe', out on the 9th January 9th, 2026. Lead single 'Summer Seizures' debuted on BBC 6 Music and... 9 months 2 days ago

Steve Lacy returns with new single 'Nice Shoes'

Grammy-winning artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Steve Lacy returns with 'Nice Shoes', his first new music since 2022’s 'Gemini Rights'... 9 months 3 days ago

Kitchen Lover’s final offering ahead of explosive debut

Brighton punk risers Kitchen Lover may have built their reputation on quirky playfulness, but on 'There Goes My Brains', they channel pure... 9 months 5 days ago

Takeda announce debut album with elegant new single

Norwich quartet Takeda may have emerged from the most unlikely of origins, but on 'Reynardine', they prove that sometimes the most authentic... 9 months 5 days ago