The Mercury Prize and BRIT Awards have changed their rules, thanks to Rina Sawayama

The Mercury Prize and BRIT Awards have revised their eligibility criteria to allow UK residents to enter, after widespread criticism.

Last year, Rina Sawayama's exclusion from entering the Mercury Prize after being told the award was only open to those with British citizenship resulted in a slew of complaints. Sawayama has lived in the UK for 26 years, moving to London as a child, yet was told her debut album 'SAWAYAMA' was inelligible.

Now, sharing a statement online, she confirms the rules have been updated. “I’m over the moon to share the news that following a number of conversations the BPI has decided to change the rules of eligibility for all nominees for the BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize,” she revealed.

Musicians who have been resident in the UK for five years are now eligible for both awards, run by music industry body BPI.

You can read the full statement below.