The 2024 Popjustice Twenty Quid Music Prize shortlist

Includes Cascada (??)

Hiya!

You have probably been wondering about the twelve best British and Irish pop singles of the last twelve months and I can today confirm that they are:

• A new bohemia by Pet Shop Boys

• Angel Of My Dreams by JADE¹

• Catch Me (Beautiful Fall) by twst

• Encore by Shygirl and Danny L Harle

• Girls by TSHA and Rose Gray

• Healing Out of Spite by CATTY

• Houdini by Dua Lipa

• I Like The Way You Kiss Me by Artemas

• Never Be Lonely — Cascada Remix by Jax Jones and Cascada²

• The Girl, So Confusing Version with Lorde by Charli XCX and Lorde

• Sabotage by Michael Aldag

• The Thrill Of It by Pixey

Here’s the whole lot as a Spotify playlist.

What happens next?

Great question!!

A panel of Popjustice readers will select the best single in September, and the artist/s responsible will win twenty quid, cash.

In recent years you may have noticed that the Mercury Music Prize, which is a bit like the Twenty Quid but for albums, generally announces its shortlist on the same day as the Popjustice Twenty Quid Music Prize shortlist, and declares its winner on the same day too. At the time of writing the Mercurys haven’t said when their winner will be announced, and they’re also not doing a live awards show this year, which seems slightly badly organised and weird when you think about what a big event it once was.

All that is in stark contrast to Popjustice which I am sure you will agree is, in 2024, as well maintained, exciting and relevant as ever.

But the upshot is that I’m not announcing the judging details today because I know the Mercurys like to be on the same night as the Twenty Quids, so I am generously waiting for them to announce their date before confirming my own.

All this means I will need to send another email, probably next week sometime, with more information on the dates and how you can sign up to be a judge. Chances are the Mercurys will announce their date today anyway but I’m booked to go swimming when all the announcements are happening so I’ll just have to sort it all out next week. But I suppose if you see the Mercurys date, then that will be the date of the Twenty Quids. Actually I’ve just figured out a better way to frame this

For the first time ever, the date of the Twenty Quid Music Prize will be announced by the Mercury Music Prize. So keep an eye on their channels for more information!

Anyway I’ll likely³ be in touch again next week with some more information.

Hope you’ve been well, I’ve been fine thanks.

Peter x

1. Nice of her to arrange her entire launch around eligibility for the Twenty Quid Music Prize

2. Cascada on a 2024 shortlist — absolutely incredible

3. Unlikely