Singer-songwriter Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope, at Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Oct. 22. The winner receives a trophy and £25,000.
Raye beat rivals including Sir Paul McCartney, Jade and Olivia Dean. Other shortlisted acts included Dave, Florence + The Machine, Suede and the War Child compilation HELP(2).
In her emotional acceptance speech, Raye said "hope is something we all need" and shared that she believes "music is medicine." She also said she hopes the album's message reaches anyone who needs it.
Raye performed "I Hate The Way I Look Today" during the ceremony, and again as a closer after she picked up her prize. The album hit No. 1 in its first week of release in March. Its singles include "Click Clack Symphony" featuring Hans Zimmer, "I Know You're Hurting," "Nightingale Lane," and "Where Is My Husband!"
Raye's message of hope has a gospel thread running through it. Her single "Joy," featuring her sisters Amma and Absolutely, is a gospel-infused track whose chorus speaks of joy coming in the morning, a phrase that echoes Psalm 30:5. She also performed at London's Royal Albert Hall with a 50-piece orchestra and gospel choir, a concert film that earned a Grammy nomination.
It's Raye's second Mercury nomination, and it follows her record-breaking six wins at the 2024 BRIT Awards
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