Raye Wins 2026 Mercury Prize For Second Album

Singer-songwriter Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope. BBC News, The Guardian, and Variety all reported that the artist received the 25,000 pound award at Newcastle's Utilita Arena. The Mercury Prize honors the best studio album released by a musical act from the United Kingdom or Ireland. [1][2][3][11]

BBC News and Variety reported that Raye beat other nominees including Sir Paul McCartney and Olivia Dean. BBC News added that Suede and Jade Thirlwall were also among the nominees. It is the first time a pop record has won the award since M People won with Elegant Slumming in 1994, according to BBC News. [1][3]

The 73-minute album incorporates big band jazz, power balladry, funk, soul, blues, and orchestral pop. It was released independently on 27 March 2026 through Human Re Sources. Raye wrote and co-produced the record alongside collaborators including Jordan Riley, Chris Hill, Mike Sabath, Tom Richards, Pete Clements, and Hans Zimmer. [2][10]

The achievement follows a career turnaround for the artist. The Guardian reported that Raye publicly criticized her former record label in 2021 for not allowing her to release a studio album. She subsequently split from the company before finding independent success. [2]