The Choice Music Prize was established in 2005 to highlight those albums which deserve some extra time in the spotlight and, ultimately, to select the album which best sums up the year in Irish music.
Each year, a panel consisting of 12 media professionals, representing Irish print, radio and TV select the Choice Music Prize shortlist. This consists of 10 albums released by Irish acts for the very first time in any given calendar year.
Instead of using sales or airplay as criteria, the Choice Music Prize judges focus, simply and solely, on the music.
The shortlist is announced in January each year, with the judges meeting in March to select the winning act at the Choice Music Prize live event.