David Bowie favourite to win Mercury Prize

15 September 2016, 12:09 | Written by Laurence Day

(News)

(David Bowie)

David Bowie's final studio album Blackstar is odds-on to win the coveted Mercury Prize this year.

The album is currently at 4/7 according to one bookmaker, with others offering similar odds.

Anohni is second favourite at 7/1, while Skepta comes third at 8/1. The Comet Is Coming and Jamie Woon are both at 50/1 as outsiders.

This year, a 12-artist shortlist has been unveiled as part of a launch event live on BBC 6 Music. Fans and followers have voted online to select the first of six finalists, with the remaining five finalists (and overall winner) being picked by an panel of expert judges.

Jessie Ware, Clara Amfo, Jarvis Cocker, Kate Tempest, and Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice are among this year's Mercury judges.

The Hyundai Mercury Prize 2016 awards show takes place tonight, 15 September, at Hammersmith's Eventim Apollo. There will be live performances all night, with actor Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under) will be paying tribute to Bowie with a performance of "Lazarus".

The 2015 Mercury Prize was won by Benjamin Clementine for his debut album At Least For Now.

Find out more about the Mercury Prize.

Mercury Prize 2016 Nominees