The nominations for the Mercury Prize 2026 were announced on Thursday, July 30, bringing great delight for two North East acts. JADE, the South Shields pop star, and Newcastle quintet Knats have both made the shortlist.
Previous Winners and This Year's Contenders
The annual ceremony is held up as one of the best for championing British artists and their music. Winning the Mercury Prize has proven to be a springboard for successful careers from acts like Dizzee Rascal, Ms Dynamite, Skepta, and Dave. Past winners include Primal Scream (1992), Suede, M People, Portishead, English Teacher (2024), and Sam Fender (2025), whose win came when the event was held in Newcastle for the first time. This year, JADE is nominated for her debut album 'That's Showbiz Baby', and Knats for their second album 'A Great Day in Newcastle', described as a Geordie jazz noir exploration of the North East working-class experience.
Mercury Prize 2026 Shortlist
- Dave - 'The Boy Who Played the Harp'
- Dove Ellis - 'Blizzard'
- Florence + The Machine - 'Everybody Scream'
- JADE - 'THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!'
- Knats - 'A Great Day In Newcastle'
- Kojey Radical - 'Don't Look Down'
- Nia Archives - 'Emotional Junglist'
- Olivia Dean - 'The Art of Loving'
- Paul McCartney - 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane'
- RAYE - 'THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.'
- Suede - 'Antidepressants'
- War Child Records - 'HELP(2)'
Ceremony Details
The Mercury Prize 2026 ceremony will take place at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on October 22, where the winner will be announced.
