Raye Wins 2026 Mercury Prize for Second Album
The singer took home the £25,000 award for her album *This Music May Contain Hope*, according to BBC News.
Singer Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope, according to BBC News. She beat Sir Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean and Jade to take the award, which carries £25,000.
The prize was presented at Newcastle's Utilita Arena. Raye is 28 years old.
The win is a first for a pop album since M People's Elegant Slumming in 1994. It is also notable that the award went to a pop record, as it had not happened in the time since then.
The album has 17 tracks and runs 73 minutes. It features the global hit song Where Is My Husband? It also features both of Raye's grandparents, Al Green, four orchestras and more than 100 musicians.
The album was released in March and went straight to the top of the UK charts. Its journey was not simple. Two years ago, Raye's car was stolen along with her songwriting notebooks and demos.
The stolen items were eventually recovered, but the delay pushed the album back by almost a year.
The Mercury Prize was established in 1992. Of the last 35 winners, 20 were debut albums. Bookmakers had expected Olivia Dean's album The Art of Loving to be the favourite this year.
Last year's winner was Sam Fender, who donated his £25,000 winnings to grassroots music venues.
More in Entertainment
Pittsburgh Rock Singer Donnie Iris Dies at 83
Donnie Iris, one of Pittsburgh's most loved hometown rock figures, died on Monday after a three-year fight with bladder cancer.
Walter Koenig, Star Trek Actor Who Played Chekov, Dies at 90
The actor known for playing Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series died at his home in North Hollywood.
Walter Koenig, Star Trek's Pavel Chekov, Dies at 90
The actor, who played the young Russian officer on the original Star Trek series, died on Sunday.