Raye wins 2026 Mercury Prize for second album

British singer Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope, Euronews, the Irish Times, BBC News and NME reported. The ceremony took place on Thursday night at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, according to BBC News and NME. The award recognizes the best album released by a British or Irish artist, Euronews and BBC News noted. [1][2][3][4]

Raye beat shortlists that included Sir Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Florence + The Machine, Suede and Jade, according to reports from Euronews, the Irish Times, BBC News and Pitchfork. Pitchfork and Euronews also noted nominations for Nia Archives and the War Child Help (2) compilation album, while the Irish Times reported that Galway-born indie artist Dove Ellis was also nominated. BBC News reported that Raye won a £25,000 cash prize. [1][2][3][6]

This Music May Contain Hope was released independently on 27 March 2026 through Human Re Sources. Raye wrote and co-produced the album alongside collaborators including Jordan Riley, Chris Hill, Mike Sabath, Tom Richards, Pete Clements and Hans Zimmer. The record features contributions from Zimmer, Al Green, and Raye's sisters Amma and Absolutely, incorporating elements of jazz, big band, soul, blues and orchestral pop [12]. [12]

The Irish Times reported that the album debuted at number one on the UK charts and features the singles Click Clack Symphony, I Know You're Hurting, Nightingale Lane and Where Is My Husband. BBC News noted that this is the first time a pop album has won the Mercury Prize since Elegant Slumming by M People in 1994. [2][3]