The Mercury Prize 2026 has confirmed that its 12 shortlisted artists will be announced this Thursday, July 30. The announcement will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds starting at 10:30 am.
The judging panel for the 2026 'Albums of the Year' has also been revealed. It features music writer and broadcaster Sophie Williams, The Times' rock and pop critic Will Hodgkinson, composer, DJ and radio broadcaster AFRODEUTSCHE, and broadcaster and musician Danielle Perry. They are joined by Jamie Cullum, Jeff Smith, Lea Stonhill, MistaJam, Kerrang’s creative director Phil Alexander, and Sian Eleri, with Jeff Smith serving as The Chair.
Radio 1 presenter and DJ Maia Beth will return to host exclusive artist interviews for the Mercury Prize social channels. The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held in Newcastle at the Utilita Arena on October 22, marking the second consecutive year the event will take place outside London. Tickets for the ceremony are now available to the general public.