Singer-songwriter Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second studio album, “This Music May Contain Hope,” triumphing over a shortlist that included Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney, Dave and Suede. The trophy was handed to her at a ceremony at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, hosted by Lauren Laverne.
Raye with the 2026 Mercury Prize (Credits: Mercury Prize)
Collecting the award, Raye — who received the trophy from broadcaster and DJ Sian Eleri before performing “I Hate The Way I Look Today” to a standing ovation — was visibly emotional. “I’m so grateful to be recognised. Is this really happening?” she told the crowd. “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.”
Raye’s 2026 Mercury Prize Win Caps a Renaissance
The judging panel praised a hugely ambitious 73-minute record spanning big band jazz, power balladry, funk and more: “Raye displays real imagination and scope in showing what an album can be, going beyond any one style or genre to realise her vision. The judges agreed that Raye’s superb album will serve as a huge inspiration for years to come.” The album, released in March, topped the UK charts in its first week and contains the chart-topping single “Where Is My Husband!”
The win caps a remarkable comeback arc. In 2021, Raye publicly clashed with her former label for refusing to release her debut album; after splitting from it, she independently released My 21st Century Blues, which earned her a record six Brit Awards in a single ceremony in 2024. The Mercury Prize, awarded yearly to the best British or Irish album by a music-industry panel, also comes with a £25,000 prize.
Who Raye Beat for the 2026 Mercury Prize
Olivia Dean had been the hot favourite for the £25,000 prize after her album The Art of Loving won album of the year at both the Brits and the Mobo Awards — but the judges went with Raye. Paul McCartney missed out in the first year he has ever been nominated, for his reflective album The Boys of Dungeon Lane; in a video message he said he was “chuffed” and “surprised” to be shortlisted. Suede, Dave, Florence + the Machine, JADE, Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Dove Ellis and the War Child compilation Help(2) were also on the shortlist. Last year’s prize went to Sam Fender for People Watching.
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Source: Variety — read the full story there.
