Raye wins 2026 Mercury Prize with This Music May Contain Hope

Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album This Music May Contain Hope, the first pop record to claim the award since 1994.

• Raye accepted the £25,000 prize at Newcastle's Utilita Arena, beating nominees including Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean and Jade.
• The album topped the UK charts in March and contains the global hit "Where Is My Husband?" across 17 tracks and 73 minutes.
• Raye said she made the record without focusing on commercial success, describing some seven-minute songs as "indulgent" and "maximalist."
• Paul McCartney said he was "chuffed" and "surprised" to be nominated in his first year on the Mercury shortlist.