David Bowie is being tipped as the first ever posthumous recipient of the Mercury Prize.
The iconic singer passed away in January aged 69 after battling cancer in secret. His death came just two days after the release of his 25th studio album, Blackstar, which raced up the charts and received critical acclaim.
Blackstar was released on David’s birthday on 8 January (16), and is widely believed to be the Mercury front runner. It goes head-to-head with work by Laura Mvula, The 1975, Kano and Bat For Lashes, among others, with the winner announced on Thursday night (15Sep16) at an awards show at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. The winner receives a $33,000 (£25,000) prize.
The BBC reports that one bookmaker has made Bowie the 4/7 favourite to take home the prestigious accolade.
Many of the 12 nominated acts will be performing, with former Dexter actor Michael C. Hall taking on the responsibility of delivering a track from Blackstar.
Michael was starring in Bowie’s off-Broadway show Lazarus when the singer passed, and says to sing on the same stage in London where David retired his most famous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, is a privilege.
“It is, sort of an unspeakable honour. Being a part of this production Lazarus, and singing here... it’s as humbling and gratifying as anything I’ve ever been invited to do,” he told the BBC.
“(Blackstar is) something to cling to, to hold on to. It’s a soundtrack to name the unnameable feeling associated with his passing, with having worked with him. It’s a very special recording for me.”
Michael got to meet David while working on Lazarus, and thinks the late star scooping Thursday’s prize would be a fitting way to say goodbye to the music legend.
“I can’t think of an exit from the stage more profound and chillingly beautiful than David’s,” he said.
