The Mercury Prize will return in 2016, with a new sponsor and a re-configured format.
Hyundai will support the Mercury Prize, perhaps Britain's pre-eminent album-focussed awards ceremony.
The judging panel this year includes some stellar names, including Jarvis Cocker, Kate Tempest, Jamie Cullum, Ellie Rowsell from Wolf Alice, and producer Naughty Boy.
A shortlist of 12 albums for the Hyundai Mercury Prize will be announced on at the Albums of the Year Launch event on August 4th, and broadcast live on BBC Radio 6 Music.
In a new move fans will be able to decide the first six finalists, before the remaining five – and ultimate winner – are chosen by the panel.
The actual Hyundai Mercury Prize ceremony will take place at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith later this year, and will feature six live performances and a special celebration for the 25th anniversary of the Mercury Prize.
Dan Ford, Managing Director of the Hyundai Mercury Prize said: “2016 marks the start of a new era of innovation for the Mercury Prize, as we begin a dynamic new partnership with Hyundai. We are particularly excited about the evolution of the judging process, including the introduction of a diverse new panel and a fan poll. 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.”
The winner of the Hyundai Mercury Prize 2016 will be announced on September 15th.
