The Mercury Prize will be thrown open to a public vote for the first time when it returns later this year.
“2016 marks the start of a new era of innovation for the Mercury Prize, as we begin a dynamic new partnership with Hyundai,” says managing director Dan Ford.
“We are particularly excited about the evolution of the judging process, including the introduction of a diverse new panel and a fan poll.”
The shortlist is to be reduced to six finalists, five of which will be picked as in the past by a panel of industry judges with the final place being taken up by the album which gains the most votes from an online poll of twelve LPs.
“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,” Ford continues.
The Mercury Prize has come to be recognised as the most prestigious award on the UK music scene since its inception in 1991.