The Mercury Prize exists solely to champion UK music by promoting the 12 Albums of the Year by British or Irish artists. All genres of music are eligible and all albums are treated equally. The Mercury Prize is Europe’s Number One Arts Prize in terms of media coverage and influence. The 12 Albums of the Year are announced in July each year with the overall winner of the Prize decided on the night of the Awards Show in September. The music on the album is the only thing taken into account.