The Mercury Prize 2026 will be handed out in Newcastle on Thursday at a star-studded event at the Utilita Arena, with Olivia Dean and Nia Archives now neck and neck in the latest odds update on Wednesday.
Twelve acts are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Sam Fender, who won on home turf 12 months ago. Homegrown contenders JADE and Knats are among those vying for victory, with Knats in the top 5 of the betting.
Odds Tighten Ahead of Ceremony
Olivia Dean has led the way from the minute this year's Mercury shortlist was announced, but her lead in the odds has been reduced significantly over the last few days. She is now at 3/1 with William Hill, with Nia Archives right behind her on 4/1.
Other well-backed acts include RAYE on 6/1 and Dove Ellis on 9/2. The outsider for the win at this stage is Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, on odds of 16/1.
Performers and Absentees
McCartney is one of two shortlisted acts who won't be in Newcastle for Thursday's event, along with Brit winner Dave. All other nominees, including Pulp, representing the War Child album, are set to perform for the packed audience of musicians, industry leaders and fans.
Since it first launched in the early 90s, the Mercury Prize has been one of the most sought-after awards in the British music industry, with Primal Scream winning the first one back in 1992 and being followed by the likes of Suede, M People, Portishead and Pulp. Champions in the last decade have included Speech Dabelle in 2009, James Blake in 2013 and, of course, last year's winner North Shields' own Sam Fender.
