Raye Wins 2026 Mercury Prize for Second Album

Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope. It is her first time taking home the award.

She beat a strong shortlist that included Sir Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Florence and the Machine, Jade, and Nia Archives. Her 2023 album My 21st Century Blues was also shortlisted, but it lost to Ezra Collective.

Raye accepted the prize in Newcastle and said albums are important to her. She spoke about being grateful for the recognition and said the album’s message of hope was something she wanted listeners to hear.

During the ceremony, Raye also performed “I Hate The Way I Look Today” with a full big band. Other nominees performed too, including Jade, Olivia Dean, and Florence and the Machine. Pulp also played “Begging for Change” from the War Child Records compilation Help (2).