Raye Wins 2026 Mercury Prize for ‘This Music May Contain Hope

Singer-songwriter Raye won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope, at a ceremony held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle. The announcement crowned the 73-minute record that spans big band jazz, power balladry, and funk, The Guardian reported. Raye, whose real name is Rachel Agatha Keen, performed at the venue before the result was announced and made her way to the stage to accept the award and trophy.

Contenders and Performances at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle

The ceremony in Newcastle marked the second successive year the prize has been handed out in the city. Galway singer-songwriter Dove Ellis competed for the award with his debut solo album, Blizzard, which The Irish Times described in a five-star review as “urgent and stubborn, full of sharp edges and illuminated throughout by a refusal to compromise.” Other nominees included Olivia Dean for The Art of Loving, Paul McCartney for The Boys of Dungeon Lane, Dave for The Boy Who Played the Harp, Florence + the Machine for Everybody Scream, and Suede for Antidepressants.

Paul McCartney missed out in the first year he was nominated for the prize, sending a video message stating he was “chuffed” and “surprised” to be nominated alongside such artists, The Guardian reported. Suede opened the ceremony by performing their song “Dancing With the Europeans,” while Pulp performed to represent the all-star compilation album Help, created to raise funds for War Child. Dave and McCartney were the only artists who did not perform at the event.

Judges Praise Ambition Behind the Winning Record

The judging panel praised the winning album for its scale, structure, and charm. “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 stated, adding that the record will serve as a huge inspiration for years to come, according to The Guardian. Released in March, the album debuted at number one in the UK charts and features singles including “Click Clack Symphony” featuring Hans Zimmer, “I Know You’re Hurting,” “Nightingale Lane,” and the global hit “Where Is My Husband!”

The win caps a career turnaround for the 28-year-old London-born artist, who split from her former record label in 2021 after public disputes over not being let to release a studio album. Her subsequent independence led to success, including winning six Brit Awards for her studio album, My 21st Century Blues.