The Mercury Prize is the coveted award that promotes the very best of British and Irish music, and the artists who create it.
The Prize, which has no categories, is open to all music genres and works through shortlisting 12 “Albums of the Year” before crowning one overall winner.
Aside from taking home the specially commissioned trophy, the winning musician gets a cash prize of £25,000.
So who are the nominees, and who will be on the panel that judges them? Here is a comprehensive look at what to expect.
When is the Mercury Prize 2023?
This year’s Mercury Prize will take place on September 7, 2023.
It will be hosted by Lauren Laverne and take place at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith.
Who is nominated for the Mercury Prize 2023?
This year’s 12 nominees are as below.
- Arctic Monkeys - The Car
- Ezra Collective - Where I’m Meant to Be
- Fred again... - Actual Life 3 (January 1 - September 9, 2022)
- Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!
- J Hus - Beautiful And Brutal Yard
- Jockstrap - I Love You Jennifer B
- Lankum - False Lankum
- Loyle Carner - hugo
- Olivia Dean - Messy
- RAYE - My 21st Century Blues
- Shygirl - Nymph
- Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy
Note to self, if you get on the wrong side of @raye she might write a song about you... 👀
— Mercury Prize (@MercuryPrize) August 30, 2023
We caught up with RAYE to chat all about 'My 21st Century Blues', Shortlisted for the 2023 Mercury Prize with @FreeNow_UK. #MercuryPrize pic.twitter.com/vZeb9wfttQ
Who will be performing at the Mercury Prize 2023?
This year’s live performances will include Ezra Collective, J Hus, Jessie Ware and Jockstrap.
Lankum, Loyle Carner, Olivia Dean, RAYE, Shygirl and Young Fathers will also share their musical talents with the audience.
Who are this year’s judges?
The judges for the 2023 Mercury Prize are as below.
- Anna Calvi – Musician, Songwriter & Composer;
- Danielle Perry – Broadcaster & Writer;
- Hannah Peel – Musician, Songwriter & Composer;
- Jamie Cullum - Musician & Broadcaster;
- Jamz Supernova – Broadcaster & DJ;
- Jeff Smith - Head of Music, 6 Music & Radio 2;
- Lea Stonhill – Music Programming Consultant;
- Mistajam – Songwriter, DJ & Broadcaster;
- Phil Alexander – Creative Director, Kerrang!/Contributing Editor, Mojo;
- Sian Eleri – Broadcaster & DJ;
- Tshepo Mokoena – Music Writer & Author;
- Will Hodgkinson - Chief Rock & Pop Critic, The Times.
The Mercury Prize is judged by an independent judging team of 12; and thanks to @bowerswilkins, we spoke to some of them as the Shortlist was announced in July to ask them why they think the album format is so important.#MercuryPrize pic.twitter.com/BSgXY40VFa
— Mercury Prize (@MercuryPrize) September 4, 2023
How to watch the Mercury Prize 2023
The Prize’s broadcast partner is BBC Music, which supports the event by providing television and radio coverage of the event as well as promoting it on social media.
Those who want to watch the ceremony live can tune into BBC Four on Thursday, September 7 at 9 pm.
Those who want to listen to the procession can opt for BBC Radio 6 Music as the radio station will cover the Awards Show for listeners from 7pm to 12am on the day.
