RAYE beat out stiff competition from Olivia Dean, Florence + the Machine, Paul McCartney and Suede to take home this year’s Mercury Prize, which recognizes the best of UK and Irish music and the artists who produce it.
Her second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope, was chosen among the top 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ that made this year’s shortlist.
In selecting This Music May Contain Hope, the judging panel said, “RAYE displays real imagination and scope in showing what an album can be, going beyond any one style or genre to realise her vision. The judges agreed that Raye’s superb album will serve as a huge inspiration for years to come.”
“I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be holding this,” RAYE said in accepting the award at the gala, which took place at Utilita Arena in Newcastle. “I’m shaking, I’m jet-lagged, I’m tired, I’m grateful!”
“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 recognised,” she continued. “Hope is a very cheesy word, especially for us British people, we don’t do that deep stuff like that, but hope is something we all need … so I hope that message comes across to anyone who needs it.”
See her receive the award below.
The 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist:
- The Boy Who Played Harp, by Dave
- Blizzard, by Dove Ellis
- Everybody Scream, by Florence + The Machine
- That’s Showbiz Baby!, by JADE
- A Great Day In Newcastle, by Knats
- Don’t Look Down, by Kojey Radical
- Emotional Junglist, by Nia Archives
- The Art Of Living, by Olivia Dean
- The Boys From Dungeon Lane, by Paul McCartney
- This Music May Contain Hope, by RAYE - winner
- Antidepressants, by Suede
- HELP(2), by War Child