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

Bloc Party share new single 'Now We Can't Be Friends'

Bloc Party have unveiled ‘Now We Can’t Be Friends’, the latest preview of their forthcoming album 'Anatomy Of A Brief Romance', arriving on the 11th... 1 month 2 weeks ago

Fat Dog share new single 'Shit Love'

South London seven-piece Fat Dog have shared ‘Shit Love’, the latest preview of their forthcoming second album 'Cancel Me (I’m Tired)', arriving on... 1 month 3 weeks ago

Johnny Marr shares new single 'Ophelia'

Johnny Marr has unveiled ‘Ophelia’, the latest preview of his forthcoming studio album 'The Age Of Everything', due for release on the 2nd October... 1 month 3 weeks ago

Teenage Fanclub announce new album 'Do Not Dare To Dream'

Scottish indie veterans Teenage Fanclub have announced their thirteenth studio album 'Do Not Dare To Dream', arriving on the 9th October via Merge... 1 month 3 weeks ago

Protomartyr announce new album 'Hotel Usona'

Detroit post-punk mainstays Protomartyr have announced their seventh studio album 'Hotel Usona', arriving on the 25th September via Domino, alongside... 1 month 3 weeks ago

Charli XCX shares new single 'Camera'

Charli XCX has unveiled 'Camera', the latest preview of her forthcoming album 'Music, Fashion, Film', arriving just days before the full record's... 1 month 4 weeks ago

Leon Bridges announces new album 'Happiness Anytime'

Leon Bridges has announced his fifth studio album 'Happiness Anytime', arriving on the 25th September via Columbia Records, while unveiling four new... 2 months 4 hours ago

Sadcult return with grungy new single

Weymouth alternative-rock trio Sadcult return with new single 'Outcry', a release that builds on the band's growing reputation for... 2 months 2 days ago

Beck announces new album 'Ride Lonesome'

Beck has confirmed details of 'Ride Lonesome', his first full-length collection of new material since the release of 'Hyperspace'. The record arrives... 2 months 3 days ago