British singer-songwriter Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second studio album, “This Music May Contain Hope,” stating it is the “best birthday present” for her.
She was crowned the winner of the 2026 prize in Newcastle on October 22, beating out other shortlisted records Paul McCartney, Jade, Nia Achieves, Olivia Dean among others.
“I couldn’t tell you how grateful I am to be holding this. I’m shaking, I’m jet-lagged, I’m tired. It’s all blurry,” said Raye.
It is the first time a pop album has won the coveted prize – which recognizes the best British or Irish album of the last 12 months – since M People’s Elegant Slumming in 1994.
The 28-year-old musician has created a 17- track, 73-minute project that combines jazz, orchestral pop, soul and powerful ballads. It is a record that tells cinematic story about relationship that ends in tears and about plucky heroine as she dusts off the debris and emerges stronger and more resilient.
Reflecting her journey, she said she has been with battling during her time with the record label, where she had to work tirelessly with all her efforts and she is grateful that the judges voted for it to win.
She also highlighted the central message behind the album, describing hope as something everyone needs and that provide comfort during difficult moments.
In 2024, she made history at the BRIT Awards by winning six awards in one night, including British Artist of the Year and British Album of the Year.
The Mercury Prize was established in 1992 as an antidote to the commercially focused Brit Awards, recognizing albums that moved music forward without recourse to fashion or trends.
It has also awarded 35 winners, 20 debut albums from artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Suede and Franz Ferdinand.
The Mercury Prize comes with a € 25,000 cash award and a trophy.
