Laura Marling performing at the Citadel Festival (Alberto Pezzali / Live4ever)
The distinguished reputation which the Mercury Prize holds might take a bit of a hit this year when the winner is revealed on the BBC’s daily magazine series The One Show.
It means the announcement could be made in between segments on the scourge of tumble dryer fires and the recently crowned Potato Of The Year, though there will at least be plenty of build-up across the BBC’s various platforms during the week commencing September 20th, including an airing of Laura Marling’s recent recorded BBC Prom; Album Of The Day showcases on 6 Music and new and archive performances on BBC Four’s Hyundai Mercury Prize 2020: Album Of The Year.
“The 2020 Mercury Prize is a great moment for us to give a platform to twelve of the most exciting acts in British music,” the BBC’s Lorna Clarke says. “As the annual awards show is unable to take place this year, the BBC will be celebrating these incredible acts across the week on TV, radio and online, including an exclusive announcement of the winner on The One Show on BBC One and a Later with Jools Holland special on BBC Two.”
Mercury Prize 2020 shortlist:
Anna Meredith – FIBS
Charli XCX – how i’m feeling now
Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia
Georgia – Seeking Thrills
Kano – Hoodies All Summer
Lanterns On The Lake – Spook the Herd
Laura Marling – Song for Our Daughter
Michael Kiwanuka – KIWANUKA
Moses Boyd – Dark Matter
Porridge Radio – Every Bad
Sports Team – Deep Down Happy
Stormzy – Heavy Is The Head