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

Marketplace return with razor-sharp new single

Marketplace are back with 'Play Nice!', a punchy, guitar-driven diss track that channels pent-up frustration into one of their most direct... 2 months 20 hours ago

Jessie Ware shares new single 'Ride'

Jessie Ware is back with ‘Ride’, a sultry, club-ready cut that signals the next chapter of her evolution. First debuted at Glastonbury’s iconic NYC... 2 months 1 day ago

Fur Blossom unveil new single 'Goldsmith'

Melbourne’s Fur Blossom have always hinted at something expansive lurking beneath their swirling textures, but on 'Goldsmith' they fully lean into it... 2 months 4 days ago

Thundercat shares new single 'She Knows To Much'

Thundercat has unveiled 'She Knows Too Much (feat. Mac Miller)', the latest preview from his upcoming fifth album 'Distracted', arriving 3rd April... 2 months 4 days ago

Snail Mail shares new single 'My Maker'

Snail Mail, the musical outlet of Lindsey Jordan, has unveiled a new track titled 'My Maker', lifted from her forthcoming third LP 'Ricochet',... 2 months 5 days ago

DEADLETTER share new single 'Songless Bird'

Alternative indie/rock outfit DEADLETTER have unveiled their latest single ‘Songless Bird’. The track is the third preview of their forthcoming... 2 months 6 days ago

James Blake shares new single 'I Had A Dream She Took My Hand'

James Blake has released his latest single ‘I Had A Dream She Took My Hand’, offering another glimpse into his forthcoming album 'Trying Times', due... 2 months 1 week ago

Bleachers announce new album 'everyone for ten minutes'

Bleachers return with the swooning, sun-drenched new single 'you and forever', the latest preview from their upcoming album 'everyone for ten minutes... 2 months 1 week ago

Girl Apocrypha unveils blistering debut single

Brighton newcomer Girl Apocrypha unveils 'Dealer', a blistering debut single released on the 4th February that marks the arrival of a bold... 2 months 1 week ago