RAYE has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope, overcoming competition from favourite Olivia Dean and fellow nominees including Paul McCartney. McCartney, 84, received his first nomination for The Boys of Dungeon Lane. The annual prize, which honours the best album released by a British or Irish artist, was presented at Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday evening.
Praising the winning record's combination of classic Hollywood glamour and everyday realism, the judges highlighted its portrayal of a young woman negotiating life and love. The album, which includes the hit Where Is My Husband!, was also commended for its imagination and its refusal to remain within a single musical genre. In her acceptance speech, RAYE emphasised her belief in albums rather than a constant pursuit of successful singles. She described music as medicine, expressing the hope that its message would reach people who needed it.
That recognition follows her departure from her former record label, which she had accused of blocking the release of her debut album. Released independently in 2023, My 21st Century Blues secured her first Mercury nomination and led to a record six BRIT Awards in 2024, the most won by an artist in a single year. This was her second Mercury nomination. She joins a list of previous winners that includes Sam Fender, Ezra Collective, Michael Kiwanuka, Little Simz and Arlo Parks.
