The shortlist for the 2016 BBC Radio 2 Album of the Year has been revealed ahead of the BBC Music Awards ceremony, which takes place on Monday, December 12.
The Radio 2 Album of the Year gong is a new addition to the annual BBC Music Awards and will celebrate the best records released over the past 12 months.
Voted for by the Radio 2 Playlist Committee chaired by Radio 2 and 6 Music head of Music Jeff Smith, the shortlist is as follows:
Adele – 25
Coldplay – A Head Full of Dreams
Jeff Lynne’s ELO – Alone in the Universe
Michael Kiwanuka – Love & Hate
Rick Astley – 50
Each of the albums has featured in Ken Bruce’s Album of the Week on his weekday programme, which runs from 9.30am-12pm.
“We’ve had some fantastic Album of the Weeks this year and this stellar shortlist features new talent, established artists and very welcome comebacks,” said Bruce. “I can’t wait to find out who wins.”
The winner will be crowned at the BBC Music Awards 2016 hosted by Fearne Cotton, Claudia Winkleman and Gemma Cairney at Excel London on Monday, December 12 from 8.30pm-10pm. The show will be broadcast live on BBC One and bbc.co.uk/music with additional coverage on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2.
The BBC Music Awards will feature live performances from a number of high-profile acts, including Robbie Williams, Emeli Sande and Craig David.
