Mercurial in awarding

The Mercury Awards 2010. Yes, been and gone now, and rightly, The XX were deserved winners. Personally, I only believe that Foals and the aforementioned champs were the only allowable choices, if these awards are in fact, designed to celebrate musical prowess from the past 12 months. So, I was quite happy with the overall outcome, and therefore should have no reals gripes or moans... But, I do.

The Mercury's and legitimacy. What is it that makes these awards noteworthy compared to other similar events? For instance, the accolade and subsequent prize money is modest, and the acclaimed 'after-fame' is always quite realistic, with regards to enhanced record sale figures. I mean, I fully understand that this event promotes talent from home shores, but this alone is no real selling point, as most inventive, pioneering, modern acts/bands hail from/or filter through these embracingly, percolating shores, somewhat naturally. We, the public, openly lead ground-swells of support and adoration, which propel young careers along dandily.

I just get the impression that the Mercury's are merely staged to grant the BBC with a platform to annually puff out it's chest, giving egos, such as Nihal, the claim (and that claim only) that they know what they are talking about re: new, expansive, and exciting music, with both conviction and authority. I'm sorry, but this does not add up. Where are the likes of trusty Zane Lowe, who would provide total affirmation to the point of these awards. A man that only knows how to champion and encourage new music, likewise Annie Mac? And, if this was an all encompassing stage, then where are dance, electro, techno, or even... dupstep acts?? Having a token jazz or obvious rap act doesn't cover all bases. A more wholly look a music needs to be approached.

At least with NME Awards you know it will be light-hearted affair, or with Q Magazine that it is generally more respected and credible to be given the nod, as their awards shows have flourished into what they are. The BBC have opted to take this high-brow approach, but without any real evidence for their convictions! British Broadcasting does do a considerable amount to nurture new music on a global scale, which is great! Although, I think they need to take a look at how they try and reward such achievements, develop their platform, and come back stronger.