Raye has been named the winner of the 2026 Mercury Prize for her album This Music May Contain Hope, announced tonight at a ceremony in Newcastle. The singer said on stage that "tears are going to flow now" as she collected the trophy.
Victory over a Strong Field
The award, given by a music-industry panel to the best British album of the year, saw Raye beat competition from 11 other shortlisted records. These included The Boy Who Played the Harp by Dave, Blizzard by Dove Ellis, Everybody Scream by Florence + the Machine, That's Showbiz Baby! by JADE, A Great Day In Newcastle by Knats, Don't Look Down by Kojey Radical, Emotional Junglist by Nia Archives, The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean, The Boys of Dungeon Lane by Paul McCartney, Antidepressants by Suede and HELP(2) by War Child.
Olivia Dean had been the hot favourite to win the £25,000 prize, with her second record, The Art of Loving, having already won album of the year at both the Brits and the Mobo Awards.
Raye's Emotional Acceptance
Speaking on stage, the singer said: "I'm so grateful to be recognised. Is this really happening? I'm so grateful. I wanted to make 7 minute songs. I wanted to do a big band section and strings. Tears are going to flow now. Hope is a cheesy word especially for British people."
The win follows Sam Fender's victory in 2025 for his album People Watching. This year's ceremony was held for the second year running at Newcastle's Utilita Arena and hosted by BBC Radio 6 star Lauren Laverne. All nominees performed with the exception of Sir Paul McCartney and rapper Dave.
Notable Nominations and Events
At the age of 84, Sir Paul was nominated for the first time ever for his album The Boys of Dungeon Lane, a nostalgic look back at his life growing up in the Liverpool suburbs before the Beatles. Also in the mix this year were Geordie Jazz band Knats for their album A Great Day in Newcastle and fellow homegrown talent Jade for her first solo album post Little Mix, That's Showbiz Baby! Florence + the Machine picked up their fourth nomination for Everybody Scream, while Raye received her second nomination for This Music May Contain Hope.
The Mercury Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the music industry, with 12 albums shortlisted. As the judges, made up of industry experts, arrived in Newcastle on Thursday, they were surprised by the LNER Mini Mercury Choir, an assembly of children from across the city, including Hotspur Primary School, Regent Farm First School, the Gosforth Voices choir, and the Newcastle Children's Choir.
Radio One DJ and judge Sian Eleri said: "You hosted us so well last time, and the fact we get a children's choir welcoming us off the train - it's adorable. It's such an emotionally charged day, it's wonderful being back in Newcastle - such an amazing city of culture with music at the forefront of it all."
Events have been taking place across the city as part of the Mercury Fringe all week, including a group of teens planning a live gig to give them a sample of industry careers.
