The Mercury Prize has overhauled its rules for 2016 to allow music fans to choose one of the albums on the shortlist.
Only six albums, from a longlist of 12, will make it through as finalists, with all performing at the ceremony on 15 September.
Fans will vote for one of the finalists with the 12-strong judging panel choosing the other five, with the judges also deciding the ultimate winner.
This year’s judges include Jarvis Cocker, who won the prize in 1996 with his band Pulp, Jamie Cullum, Annie Mac, Kate Tempest, Ellie Rowsell from 2015 nominees Wolf Alice and producer Naughty Boy. The full line-up will be announced at a later date.
The Mercury Prize has also announced a new three-year partnership with car company Hyundai.
Dan Ford, Mercury Prize director, said: ‘2016 marks the start of a new era. The changes will enable music fans to play a part in the process for the first time, whilst ensuring that the Prize maintains its reputation for celebrating the best British and Irish albums, based solely on artistic merit.’
BBC Four will broadcast the ceremony from the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, on 15 September.
Last year's award went to Benjamin Clementine, for his debut album At Least For Now. Previous winners include alt-J, PJ Harvey and Elbow.
http://www.mercuryprize.com/
Only six albums, from a longlist of 12, will make it through as finalists, with all performing at the ceremony on 15 September.
Fans will vote for one of the finalists with the 12-strong judging panel choosing the other five, with the judges also deciding the ultimate winner.
This year’s judges include Jarvis Cocker, who won the prize in 1996 with his band Pulp, Jamie Cullum, Annie Mac, Kate Tempest, Ellie Rowsell from 2015 nominees Wolf Alice and producer Naughty Boy. The full line-up will be announced at a later date.
The Mercury Prize has also announced a new three-year partnership with car company Hyundai.
Dan Ford, Mercury Prize director, said: ‘2016 marks the start of a new era. The changes will enable music fans to play a part in the process for the first time, whilst ensuring that the Prize maintains its reputation for celebrating the best British and Irish albums, based solely on artistic merit.’
BBC Four will broadcast the ceremony from the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, on 15 September.
Last year's award went to Benjamin Clementine, for his debut album At Least For Now. Previous winners include alt-J, PJ Harvey and Elbow.
http://www.mercuryprize.com/
