RAYE Wins 2026 Mercury Prize

RAYE has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. (Human Re Sources).

The British artist was announced as the winner at a ceremony in Newcastle, England, Thursday, beating a shortlist that included releases by Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney, Dave and Florence + the Machine.

Judges chose RAYE’s sophomore album, which hit #1 in the U.K. in April, for its “scale, structure, ambition and sheer charm,” further stating, “Divided into four sections, the musical styles range from jazz to soul, R&B to classical. Shades of old-school Hollywood glamour combine with kitchen-sink realism to tell a story about a young woman navigating the everyday trials of life and love on an album that is joyous and indeed hopeful.”

Accepting the award, the independent artist confided feeling creatively stifled at her previous, major label. “I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be holding this,” she said. “Albums are so important, and not to be bitter—because I feel like I’m mostly at peace with my past—but to come from a place where it’s all about singles and chasing the next thing, I just feel so grateful to be recognized.”

Said Warner Chappell Music U.K. SVP and head of A&R Amber Davis, “THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. feels so relevant for the climate we live in, and it's wonderful to see RAYE’s artistry recognized for a second time by the Mercurys. We couldn't be prouder.”

RAYE was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2023 for her debut, My 21st Century Blues. The honor joins a growing award tally for RAYE that includes seven BRIT Awards and two Ivor Novellos. She’s gonna need a bigger trophy case.