LONDON — British pop star Raye has won the prestigious Mercury Prize at a ceremony in Newcastle, taking home the trophy and a £25,000 cash prize for her album This Music May Contain Hope.

Raye Claims 2026 Mercury Prize in Newcastle

Speaking to the BBC following her victory, Raye shared that she poured "everything I had into this body of work." Her acclaimed record triumphed over a competitive shortlist of 11 other nominated albums from across the UK and Ireland.

The annual music award celebrates the best albums of the year spanning a wide spectrum of genres. To secure the 2026 title, Raye outperformed a strong field of fellow contenders that included Jade, Dave, Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney, and Suede.