[Note 1] Since it first began in 2005, the main awards ceremony had been broadcast live on the Irish national radio station, Today FM, every March.

[7][8][9] It is a music award voted for by a panel of twelve judges[10] based on artistic merit, regardless of genre,[10] sales, or record label.

[3] Initially considered by co-founder Carroll as a "titchy little maverick event",[16] the Choice Music Prize has gained a reputation for producing "unpredictable" winners.

She was followed by The Divine Comedy, Super Extra Bonus Party and Jape, winners of Irish Album of the Year 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively.

The ceremony to announce the winner takes place at Vicar Street, Dublin in February or March each year.

Originally presented by Michelle Doherty and Rigsy,[18] and also by Alison Curtis.,[19] Today FM radio presenter Paul McLoone presented the awards since 2012, having made his debut presiding over the 2011 Choice Music Prize ceremony and was the current host or M.C.- master of ceremonies for the prize giving ceremony with the show being broadcast live since its inception on the national and independent radio station Today FM as part of a four-hour special, airing between 7pm to 10pm.

[19] However, some nominated acts, such as The Chalets, Fionn Regan, Snow Patrol, Lisa Hannigan, Oppenheimer, Bell X1 and Laura Izibor, have not performed in the past due to other commitments.

Julie Feeney described winning Irish Album of the Year 2005 as "probably the biggest achievement of my life", adding "it meant a phenomenal amount to me.

[28] Culture Ireland invited figures from the international music industry to the event that decided the Irish Album of the Year 2010.

[31] In the run-up to the nominees (to be announced on 11 January 2012),[32] both the award organisers and Meteor promised to present a number of live performances showcasing what they considered some of the best albums from 2011.

Meteor Choice Music Prize Presents... began on 1 November 2011 with a live performance by Snow Patrol at Dublin's Button Factory, and was followed by a live performance from Lisa Hannigan and James Vincent McMorrow on 8 December 2011, also in Dublin's Button Factory.