Mercury Prize 2017: Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and The xx are among this year's nominees

The shortlist for this year's Hyundai Mercury Prize has been unveiled.

Ed Sheeran's ÷, Stormzy's Gang Signs & Prayer and Blossoms' self-titled debut are among the acts nominated for this year's prestigious award, now in its 26th year. 

The winner will be announced at an awards show held at London's Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith on Thursday, September 14. The event will feature live performances from the majority of the twelve shortlisted artists, broadcast on BBC Four and BBC Radio 6 Music.

The judging panel for this year's prize was recently announced, featuring Radio 1's Clara Amfo and MistaJam as well as artists Jessie Ware and Ella Eyre. 

MORE: Look back through every Mercury Prize winner ever

Below are the 12 shortlisted acts:

Alt-J - Relaxer

The band's third studio album was released just last month, landing at Number 6 on the Official Albums Chart. It could be the trio's second Mercury win after their debut An Awesome Wave bagged the prize in 2012. View the group's complete chart history here.

Blossoms - Blossoms

The Stockport band comprised of Tom Ogden, Joe Donovan, Charlie Salt, Josh Dewhurst and Myles Kellock landed straight in at Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart last August with their self-titled indie-pop debut. 

Dinosaur - Together As One

Jazz ensemble Dinosaur – Laura Jurd, Elliot Galvin, Conor Chaplin and Corrie Dick – released their debut album last September on Edition Records. The album was recorded by Sonny at Livingston Studios, London.

Ed Sheeran - ÷

Ed's huge, record-breaking third album Divide has so far spent 14 weeks at Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart, while its singles - Shape Of You, Castle On The Hill and Galway Girl - have all been huge hits on the singles chart, in case you've been hiding under a rock for the last few months. 

Glass Animals - How To Be A Human Being

Oxford indie-rockers Glass Animals released their second album last August and it was their Official Chart breakthrough, debuting at 23. The band is made up of singer Dave Bayley, guitarist Drew MacFarlane, bass player Edmund Irwin-Singer and drummer Joe Seaward.

J Hus - Common Sense

Stratford rapper and MC has been one of this year's big breakout successes in the UK. His debut album, which includes guest features from MoStack, Tiggs Da Author and Jae5, opened at Number 6 on the Official Chart, while single Did You See topped out at Number 9.

Kate Tempest - Let Them Eat Chaos

Could it be second time lucky for Kate? The Lewisham-born lyricist, playwright and musician was shortlisted for the award with her first album Everybody Down in 2014. Her latest, released in October 2016, was recorded with longtime collaborator Dan Carey. 

Loyle Carner - Yesterday's Gone

South London hip-hop artist put out his debut album in January on AMF Records/Virgin EMI. The record has so far peaked at 14 on the Official Chart, and has been described by critics as an "intimate and tender rap album". 

Sampha - Process 

The highly anticipated debut album from South London artist Sampha was released back in February, landing straight inside the Top 10. Much of the record is about his mother’s death from cancer and its emotional repercussions.

Stormzy - Gang Signs & Prayer

Croydon-raised rapper and MC topped the Official Chart in February with his debut collection, becoming the first pure grime album to reach Number 1 in the UK. The record includes collaborations with MNEK, Khelani and fellow nominee J Hus, as well as hit singles Shut Up and Big For Your Boots.

The Big Moon - Love in the 4th Dimension 

The all-female London quartet released their debut album of indie-rock in April. The collection includes the singles Cupid, Sucker, Pull The Other One and Silent Movie Susie.

The xx - I See You

After winning the Mercury Prize with their 2010 self-titled debut, Romy, Oliver and Jamie have been shortlisted once again with their third album, the Number 1 LP I See You. The record was produced by Jamie along with their longtime collaborator Rodaidh McDonald and includes the hit single On Hold.

Remind yourself of every Mercury Prize winner ever, including Skepta, The xx and James Blake: