RAYE wins Mercury Prize for its second album There may be hope in this music.
The annual trophy was presented at a ceremony at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England on Thursday evening (22 October), marking the first time that RAYE has won the award; her 2023 album my 21st century blues Was also nominated. Rae is the first female solo artist to receive the award since Little Sims won in 2022 sometimes i can be an introvert.
She was competing with Olivia Dean for chart-topping art of loveand Paul McCartney for his 20th solo studio album, boys from dungeon lane. This is the first time that the latter has been nominated for the award in his storied career.
The shortlist was completed by Dave the boy who played the harp; Florence + The Machine everybody scream; Dove Alice’ blizzard; of jade She’s a showbiz baby!; Nuts’ a great day in newcastle; of Koje Radical don’t look down; Nia Archives’ emotional jungle list; of suede antidepressant; and war child compilation help(2).
All nominated artists except Dave and McCartney performed live during the ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Lauren Laverne and the winner was announced by BBC Radio 1 DJ Sian Ellery.
Celebrating the work of both respected and emerging artists from the UK and Ireland, the Mercury Prize is awarded annually and recognizes artistic achievement in LPs across a variety of genres. Recent winners include Sam Fender (2025), English Teacher (2024), Ezra Collective (2023), Little Simz (2022) and Arlo Parks (2021). The award was first given to Primal Scream in 1992. ScreamadelicaAnd winners include the collections Pulp (1996), PJ Harvey (2001, 2011) and Arctic Monkeys (2006).
Albums released between 30 August 2025 and 17 July 2026 were eligible for consideration this year. The 12 shortlisted albums were chosen by an independent judging panel chaired by Jeff Smith, Head of Music, BBC 6 Music and Radio 2.
This year’s committee included: Afrodeutsche – musician and DJ; Danielle Perry – broadcaster and author; Jamie Cullum – musician and broadcaster; Lee Stonehill – Music Programming Consultant; MistaJam – songwriter, DJ and broadcaster; Phil Alexander – Creative Director, Kerrang!/Contributing Editor, Mojo; Sian Ellery – broadcaster and DJ; Will Hodgkinson – Chief Rock & Pop Critic, many times; and Sophie Williams – writer and broadcaster, including billboard uk.