The Mercury Prize has revealed its 2024 nominees, with Charli XCX’s latest album among the 12 shortlisted records. The Essex-born singer’s sixth album, which combines hedonistic club beats with introspective lyrics, is in the running for the prestigious award.
Other nominees include Irish country singer CMAT, breakout dance act Barry Can’t Swim, and BBC Sound of 2024 winners The Last Dinner Party. Beth Gibbons, who won the Mercury Prize with Portishead in 1995, is also shortlisted for her debut solo album, Lives Outgrown.
The winner will be announced in September, but for the first time in the award’s 32-year history, there will be no public ceremony. The prize recognizes the best British or Irish album of the last 12 months.
Returning nominees include Corinne Bailey Rae, Berwyn, and Ghetts, whose albums examine issues of racism and inequality. Eight of the 12 shortlisted artists are women or female-fronted bands, a record high.
Notable absences from the shortlist include Blur’s The Ballad Of Darren, Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism, and Heaven Knows by PinkPantheress. Last year’s winner was jazz group Ezra Collective for their album Where I’m Meant To Be.
Organizers have confirmed that the ceremony will not feature live performances by nominees, instead opting for “other extensive promotional activity” after losing a sponsorship deal. The prize-giving will still be broadcast by the BBC, with the date to be confirmed.
