Raye wins the Mercury Prize with This Music May Contain Hope

Raye is the 35th winner of the Mercury Prize, which was established to recognise albums that push the boundaries of music Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her show-stopping second album This Music May Contain Hope. A pop record sprinkled with golden age Hollywood glamour, it beat the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean and Jade to scoop the £25,000 prize. The shortlist also included the charity compilation album Help (2), recorded in aid of Warchild, which featured new music and cover versions by artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Damon Albarn, Depeche Mode and The Last Dinner Party.