Singer Cat Power wins Shortlist prize for emerging artists

Cat Power, the U.S. singer/songwriter known for her minimalist style and ethereal vocals, has won the Shortlist Music Prize for her album The Greatest.

Cat Power —the stage name of Charlyn (Chan) Marshall — is the first woman to win the Shortlist prize, created in 2001 as a way to draw attention to deserving artists who don't have a large commercial following.

A panel of nine listmakers, including Franz Ferdinand and members of Snow Patrol, the Killers and Flaming Lips, chose her from a short list of10 artists.

"Cat Power's album quickly got under my skin. She has one of the most beguiling voices around. The Greatest is an immediate classic that will never age," said jury member KT Tunstall.

The other finalists were Hot Chip, Band of Horses, Beirut, Bonnie Prince Billy, Girl Talk, Joanna Newsom, Spank Rock, Regina Spektor and Tom Waits.

Despite theinclusion of long-time stars such as Tom Waits on the list, the prize is designed to garner attention for emerging artists,as doesBritain's Mercury Prize.

Cat Power, whoplays guitar and piano, recorded The Greatest in January 2006 with the backing of Memphis blues vets.

The album also marked a new chapter in her personal life. She quit drinking and abusing drugs and resumed her music career after a brief breakdown.

Earlier winners of the Shortlist are Sigur Ros, N*E*R*D, Damien Rice, TV on the Radio, and Sufjan Stevens.