David Bowie’s final album is among the contenders for one of the music industry’s most prestigious awards.
Blackstar, released only two days before his death from cancer in January, is one of 12 records in the running for this year’s Mercury Prize.
It faces competition from acts including Radiohead, recognised for A Moon Shaped Pool, and Laura Mvula’s The Dreaming Room — though there is no room on the list for Adele’s bestselling 25.
Blackstar, released on Bowie’s 69th birthday and his first album not to feature his face on the cover, was largely put together in secret sessions in New York with his long-time collaborator and producer Tony Visconti.
Visconti, who had worked with the singer from the late Sixties, said Bowie intended the album as a “parting gift” to his fans.
Writing after his death, the producer said: “He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life — a work of art.”
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The news of the star’s death propelled the album up the charts, making it a number one in Britain and the US.
The overall winner of the award — formally known as The 2016 Hyundai Mercury Prize — will be unveiled at a special show at Hammersmith Apollo on September 15.
Traditionally, the majority of shortlisted acts perform at the event, and discussions are ongoing about the best way to reflect Bowie’s work on the night.
Other albums featured include The Bride by Bat For Lashes, and The 1975’s effort, I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it.
There is also recognition for some of the biggest stars to come out of London’s grime scene, with nods for Kano’s Made in the Manor and Skepta’s Konnichiwa.
The judging panel said: “This is music to make sense of our unsettling times — heartfelt, angry, thoughtful and thrilling.
“The 2016 Hyundai Mercury Prize Albums of the Year are marked by their musical ambitions, unexpected instrumentation and breathtaking arrangements.”
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Fans can get involved this year by taking part in an online vote to choose one of the six albums that will go onto the final list of candidates, with music industry judges picking the other five as well as the eventual winner.
For more information visit mercuryprize.com