Dove Ellis scores Mercury Prize nomination for Blizzard

The nominations for the 2026 Mercury Prize have been revealed – with Dove Ellis featuring on the shortlist alongside the likes of Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Suede and Florence + The Machine.

The Galway singer-songwriter was nominated for his acclaimed debut album, Blizzard, released in December 2025.

He also features on another nominated album, HELP(2) – a star-studded collaboration project released in aid of War Child – appearing on the track 'Sunday Light'. Fontaines D.C. also contributed a cover of Sinéad O'Connor's 'Black Boys On Mopeds' to the album, while frontman Grian Chatten pops up again on the track 'Flags'.

The Mercury Prize – which recognises the best new music from the UK and Ireland – returns to Newcastle this year, with the award show set to take place at the Utilita Arena on October 22.

Last year saw Sam Fender claim the top prize for his third album, People Watching. Other recent winners include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Arlo Parks, Wolf Alice, and Young Fathers.

See the list of 12 nominated albums – curated by an independent judging team of music industry professionals – below:

• 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)’