The Mercury Prize with FREENOW shortlist of 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ will be revealed at a launch event on Thursday, 27 July.

The shortlist will also be announced live on BBC Radio 6 Music from 11am by Gilles Peterson, sitting in for Mary Anne Hobbs (10.30am-1pm).

The 2023 Mercury Prize with FREENOW judges are: 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 Chair of the judging team is Jeff Smith.

The 2023 Awards Show will take place on Thursday 7 September at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith. The event will feature live performances from many of the shortlisted artists and the evening will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2023 Mercury Prize with FREENOW ‘Album of the Year’. The Prize’s broadcast partner, BBC Music, will be providing coverage of the event across BBC TV, radio, online & social media.

The Mercury Prize with FREENOW recognises and celebrates the ‘Albums of the Year’, establishing a reputation for highlighting the work of both exciting emerging talent and more established bands and artists. The shortlist of 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ is chosen by an independent judging panel and recognises artistic achievement across a range of genres. Albums by British and Irish artists with a UK release date between 16 July 2022 and 14 July 2023 are eligible for the 2023 Prize.

FREENOW, the Mobility Super App with the largest vehicle choice for consumers across Europe, returns as the headline sponsor of the 2023 Mercury Prize. The sponsorship is part of a multi-year commitment to support British music, through which FREENOW reinforces its pledge to give people the freedom they need to enjoy the city and its unique moments.

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting UK recorded music, renowned British premium audio brand, Bowers & Wilkins, continues as long-term official audio partner of the Mercury Prize. At the forefront of music creation for over 40 years, it is uniquely placed to help the Mercury Prize celebrate the album format and the shortlisted artists’ creative achievements.

The UK’s number one premium rum brand, The Kraken, and the world’s most awarded tequila, 1800 Tequila, are the official drinks partners of the 2023 Mercury Prize. Both brands will be celebrating the fantastic roster of British and Irish talent on this year's list with a programme of dedicated content in the run up to the big night itself.