The judges praised the album’s “scale, structure, ambition and sheer charm” as the British singer took the prize in Newcastle, where Galway’s Dove Ellis performed from his debut Blizzard.
Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize Album of the Year for This Music May Contain Hope. The winner was announced last night, Thursday October 22nd, at the Albums of The Year Awards Show at Utilita Arena in Newcastle, hosted by Lauren Laverne. Sian Eleri presented the trophy on behalf of the judges, and Raye then performed ‘I Hate The Way I Look Today’ to a standing ovation.
The judging panel, chaired by Jeff Smith, said the record shows the album format still matters in the streaming age, and predicted it will inspire future artists. They described it as joyful and hopeful, moving across jazz, soul, R&B and classical styles, with old Hollywood glamour alongside kitchen-sink realism.
Galway’s Dove Ellis, who was shortlisted for his debut album Blizzard, performed one track from it at the ceremony, along with each of the other acts on the shortlist who played on the night. He also appears on HELP(2), the War Child Records compilation that was shortlisted too.
It follows last year’s win for Sam Fender’s People Watching, which beat CMAT and Fontaines D.C. among others. Fontaines D.C. have since topped our albums of the week with new album Dopamine Chamber.
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Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist
- Raye – This Music May Contain Hope (winner).
- Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp.
- Dove Ellis – Blizzard.
- Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream.
- JADE – THAT’S SHOWBIZ, BABY!
- Knats – A Great Day in Newcastle.
- Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down.
- Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist.
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving.
- Paul McCartney – The Boys of Dungeon Lane.
- Suede – Antidepressants.
- War Child Records – HELP(2).
The ceremony was broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer from 9:30pm, with live coverage on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
