RAYE wins 2026 Mercury Prize for album ‘This Music May Contain Hope’

British singer-songwriter RAYE, born Rachel Keen, has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second studio album, ‘This Music May Contain Hope’. The award ceremony, held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, saw the 28-year-old artist beat a competitive shortlist that included Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, JADE, Florence + The Machine, and Dave.

The album, which spans approximately 70 minutes and blends genres such as soul, R&B, jazz, and classical, was praised by judges for its scale, structure, and ambition. In her acceptance speech, RAYE emphasized the importance of long-form albums in an industry often focused on singles, stating, “Music is medicine, so I just hope as well that message comes across to anyone who needs it.”

This victory marks a significant milestone in RAYE’s career following her previous success at the 2024 BRIT Awards. The Mercury Prize recognizes the best album released by a British or Irish artist, with this year's winner receiving a £25,000 prize.