This years' 2020 Mercury Prize nominees are set to be announced this Thursday, July 23, on Lauren Laverne's BBC Radio 6 Music show from 10:30am to 11:30am.

The Mercury 'Albums of the Year' shortlist comes ahead of any announcement of a date for this year's ceremony, which has presumably been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

An independent judging panel choose the shortlist, which consists of 12 albums made by British and Irish artists with a UK release date between July 20, 2019 and July 17, 2020.

Dublin rock band Fontaines D.C. were nominated for the Prize last year for their stunning debut Dogrel, and performed at the ceremony.

Amongst all the drama at last year's ceremony, Dave took home the Mercury Prize for his debut record Psychodrama.

The Mercury Prize was established by the British Phonographic Industry and British Association of Record Dealers in 1992 as an alternative to the Brit Awards.

Anna Calvi and Gemma Cairney make up the two new additions to the judging panel for 2020.

The full panel consists of: musician and songwriter Anna Calvi, broadcaster and DJ Annie Mac, broadcaster and writer Danielle Perry, musician and songwriter Gaz Coombes, broadcaster and DJ Gemma Cairney, musician Jamie Cullum, head of music at 6 Music and Radio 2, Jeff Smith, musician and songwriter Jorja Smith, music consultant Mike Walsh, Kendal Calling/bluedot Festivals, War Child; creative director of Kerrang!, Phil Alexander (also a contributing editor at Mojo), VICE.com editorial director Tshepo Mokoena and chief rock and pop critic at The Times, Will Hodgkinson.

Jeff Smith will be the Chair of the judging panel.

"This has been a difficult & challenging year, so we are grateful to all the artists and labels that have supported the 2020 Hyundai Mercury Prize by entering their albums,” Mercury Prize Chairman David Wilkinson said.

“Thanks also to the hardworking judges who have spent the last few months in lockdown listening to all the albums that were entered," he added.

“Creatively the past year has been an amazing year for British music – so choosing just 12 Albums of the Year will be tough for the judging team. We’re looking forward to this year’s shortlist being announced by Lauren Laverne on her BBC Radio 6 Music show on July 23.”

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This year's Hyundai Mercury Prize judging panel has been announced! 🙌 Joining us this year are: @annacalvi, @anniemac, @missperry, @gaz_coombes, @gemagain, @jamiecullum, Jeff Smith, @jorjasmith_, @walsh8009, @mojophilalexander, @tnmokoena, @will.hodgkinson #HyundaiMercuryPrize

A post shared by Mercury Prize (@mercuryprize) on Jul 21, 2020 at 12:00am PDT