Raye wins the Mercury Prize with This Music May Contain Hope

Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope, becoming the 35th winner of the coveted award.

The pop record, described as sprinkled with golden age Hollywood glamour, beat the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Suede and former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall to lift the £25,000 prize. It is the first time a pop album has won the prize, which recognises the best British or Irish albums.

"I couldn't tell you how grateful I am to be holding this," Raye said, clutching her trophy at the ceremony in Newcastle. Speaking to the BBC afterwards, she said she had "poured everything I had" into the record, adding: "I made this album not focusing on commercial [success], not focusing on making things cookie-cutter."

Across 17 tracks and 73 minutes, the album tells a cinematic story about a relationship that ends. It features both of her grandparents, soul legend Al Green and four separate orchestras. Released in March, it went straight to the top of the UK charts.

The album almost never happened: two years ago her car was stolen, along with her songwriting notebooks and demos, delaying work by almost a year. The award, established in 1992, has long been seen as an antidote to the commercially focused Brit Awards.

Last year's prize was won by Newcastle singer-songwriter Sam Fender, who donated his £25,000 winnings to grassroots music venues across the UK.