RAYE Beats Dave & Paul McCartney To Mercury Prize

RAYE won the 2026 Mercury Prize for This Music May Contain Hope on October 22, beating a field that included Dave, Olivia Dean and Paul McCartney. The British singer collected the honor in Newcastle for her second studio album.

It was her first Mercury win after My 21st Century Blues made the 2023 shortlist but lost to Ezra Collective.

In her speech, RAYE contrasted the award’s focus on albums with the pressure to keep chasing singles. She said that recognition meant a great deal to her, even as she had largely made peace with her past.

She also spoke about what she hoped listeners would take from the record. “Music is medicine, so I just hope as well that message comes across to anyone who needs it,” RAYE said, according to Reuters.

An earlier Abbey Road session offered another setting for that music. RAYE’s official October 8 upload of “I Will Overcome.” credited the London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Tom Richards and the Flames Collective choir.

The judges’ announcement explained why her record stood out. They praised its four-part design and its movement through soul, R&B, jazz and classical music.

For the panel, those choices served one woman’s story of love and daily life rather than trapping her in one sound. Their statement also defended the album’s role in the streaming era, describing the format as a way for artists to put a complete creative statement into the world.

The prize itself rewards a full album, with an independent panel choosing from British and Irish acts across genres. Judges make their final choice on the night of the ceremony.

This year’s panel included musicians Jamie Cullum and MistaJam, with music executive Jeff Smith chairing.

The winner received a 25,000-pound prize. RAYE followed Sam Fender, who won last year with People Watching.

For the winning performance, the album returned to center stage.

Host Lauren Laverne led the ceremony at Utilita Arena, and broadcaster Sian Eleri presented RAYE with the trophy on the judges’ behalf. RAYE then performed “I Hate The Way I Look Today.” and received a standing ovation, according to the organizers.