Raye wins 2026 Mercury Prize for second album

Raye won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope, at a ceremony in Newcastle on October 22, earning the £25,000 award after the judges praised the record’s scale, structure, ambition and charm. The singer accepted the prize at Utilita Arena, where she also performed album track I Hate The Way I Look Today. The award was her first Mercury win; her debut album, My 21st Century Blues, had been shortlisted in 2023. This Music May Contain Hope was released in March and reached the top of the UK album chart. Raye said she was grateful to be recognised and spoke about her belief in albums as a format. The judging panel said the record showed imagination and scope by moving beyond a single style or genre. The 17-track, 73-minute album blends jazz, soul, funk and orchestral pop, and explores themes including love and hope. The shortlist included Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Dave, Florence The Machine, Suede, JADE, Nia Archives, Knats, Kojey Radical and Dove Ellis, as well as the War Child compilation Help2. Raye’s win followed a ceremony featuring performances by shortlisted artists and came one year after Newcastle hosted the prize for the first time....