Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize with her second album, This Music May Contain Hope.
Released via Human Re Sources and The Orchard (part of Sony Music), the chart-topping album has amassed UK consumption to date of 144,757 units, according to the Official Charts Company.
This Music May Contain Hope can expect a boost from the Mercury win, and Raye will be able to continue the celebrations at her orchestral Royal Albert Hall show on Friday (October 23).
The Mercury Prize recognises the best new British & Irish music, celebrating artistic achievement across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres.
Lauren Laverne hosted the 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Raye received the trophy from broadcaster & DJ Sian Eleri – presenting on behalf of the judging team – and performed I Hate The Way I Look Today from her winning album to a standing ovation.
Raye, who was previously nominated in 2023 for her debut album, has a long-term publishing partnership with Warner Chappell.
Amber Davis, SVP and head of A&R at Warner Chappell UK, said: “Raye has created a fearless, authentic body of work that feels both timeless and completely her own. This Music May Contain Hope feels so relevant for the current climate that we live in and it’s wonderful to see her artistry recognised for a second time by the Mercurys. We’re delighted she’s taken the ultimate prize tonight. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Raye has created a fearless, authentic body of work that feels both timeless and completely her own
Amber Davis
In a statement, the Mercury Prize judging team said: “While the 12 albums shortlisted for 2026 Mercury Prize were wildly different, each one demonstrated how the album continues to be the ideal format for an artist or group wishing to get their artistic statement out into the world. We believe the album continues to have an important role to play in music in the age of streaming, which is why the judges felt the scale, structure, ambition and sheer charm of this year’s winner was the right choice for the 2026 Mercury Prize Album of the Year.”
The awards show also featured live performances from many of the other 12 shortlisted artists, including Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, Jade, Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, Suede and Pulp who performed on behalf of the Help(2) album.
The ceremony was broadcast live on BBC 6 Music with TV coverage on BBC Four and iPlayer.
Alongside the awards, the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe featured its biggest programme yet in Newcastle.
PHOTO: JM Enternational/Getty Images
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