Music
23 Oct 26

RAYE wins Mercury Prize 2026 with THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE

RAYE wins Mercury Prize 2026 with <i>THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE</i>

Credit: mercuryprize.com

The nominees for the prestigious prize included Galway singer-songwriter Dove Ellis

RAYE has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Mercury Prize, for her second album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.

The ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Lauren Laverne, took place in Newcastle’s Utilita Arena last night.

“While the twelve albums shortlisted for 2026 Mercury Prize were wildly different, each one demonstrated how the album continues to be the ideal format for an artist or group wishing to get their artistic statement out into the world," the judging team commented. "We believe the album continues to have an important role to play in music in the age of streaming, which is why the judges felt the scale, structure, ambition and sheer charm of this year’s winner was the right choice for the 2026 Mercury Prize ‘Album of the Year’.

"THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE by RAYE is suitably titled. Divided into four sections, the musical styles range from jazz to soul, R&B to classical. Shades of old school Hollywood glamour combine with kitchen sink realism to tell a story about a young woman navigating the everyday trials of life and love, on an album that is joyous and indeed hopeful. 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’s superb album will serve as a huge inspiration for years to come.”

The live ceremony featured performances from many of the 12 shortlisted artists, including Galway singer-songwriter Dove Ellis.

The Mercury Prize recognises the best new British and Irish music, across a range of genres. Recent winners include Sam Fender, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice, and Young Fathers.

Here's the 2026 shortlist – curated by an independent judging team of music industry professionals: