Mercury Prize 2020 shortlist announced, featuring Stormzy, Dua Lipa and Charli XCX

A mix of chart-topping records and acts that have yet to hit the mainstream feature in this year's Mercury Prize shortlist.

This year's Hyundai Mercury Prize shortlist has been announced.

12 albums have been nominated for the prestigious award, which aims to highlight the most exciting and innovative music of the past year.

Following today's shortlist reveal, the overall winner will be announced on September 24 on BBC 6Music.

Established names on the shortlist include Stormzy with his chart-topping album Heavy Is The Head, and Dua Lipa's Number 1 record Future Nostalgia.

Laura Marling picks up a fourth nomination in her career with her latest album Song For Our Daughter, British rap icon Kano gets a nod with his sixth album Hoodies All Summer, and Charli XCX is recognised for How I'm Feeling Now, an album she made entirely by herself in lockdown.

"It feels crazy being put on the shortlist," Charli said. "I’m honoured to have my little corner of experimental pop music be recognised.”

MORE: The Official Top 40 biggest albums of 2020 so far

Half of this year's list is made up of acts who have yet to hit the mainstream; including Brighton band Porridge Radio and their latest record Every Bad.

"It's pretty surreal," frontwoman Dana Margolin said. "The album is about being really sad; my mental health and my friends' mental health. Performing these songs has helped me figure out a lot of things for myself."

Other shortlisted albums are FIBS by multi-instrumentalist Anna Meredith, Spook The Herd by Newcastle-upon-Tyne band Lanterns on the Lake, and the mult-genered Dark Matter by contemporary Jazz artist Moses Boyd.

This year's independent judging panel includes a mix of musicians, critics and notable industry names; including Anna Calvi, Annie Mac, broadcaster and journalist Danielle Perry, Gemma Cairney, Jorja Smith, Gaz Coombes and Jamie Cullum.

The rest of the panel is made up of Jeff Smith, Mike Walsh, Vice Editorial Director Tshepo Mokoena, Kerrang! Director Phil Alexander, and critic Will Hodgkinson.

The Hyundai Mercury Prize 2020 shortlist

Laura Marling - Song For Our Daughter
Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia
Porridge Radio - Every Bad
Sports Team - Deep Down Happy
Kano - Hoodies All Summer
Anna Meredith - FIBS
Georgia - Seeking Thrills
Lanterns on the Lake - Spook The Heard
Moses Boyd - Dark Matter
Charli XCX - How I'm Feeling Now
Stormzy - Heavy Is The Head
Michael Kiwanuka - KIWANUKA

Article image: Henry J Kamara (Stormzy), Olivia Rose (Michael Kiwanuka) Gem Harris (Anna Meredith)