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Iconic UK award show announces major changes to its format in shake up for the first time ever in its 32-year history

The award, which has previously gone to acts including The Ezra Collective, Dizzee Rascal and Arctic Monkeys, will be announced in September with a television broadcast.

At the time, critics warned the move could be detrimental to women but the following year, female rapper Little Simz took home the main gong. 'The Mercury Prize is a cherished part of our cultural landscape, celebrating the art of the album and recognising the exceptional creative achievements of diverse British and Irish artists across the many different genres that make up our thriving and global-facing music scene. 'We are delighted to deepen our relationship with our long-term partner BBC Music to promote the Prize across its networks, including its national broadcast and digital channels, to ensure the greatest possible impact and profile as part of a wider campaign to support the artists who produced the 12 albums of the year.'

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