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Raye wins 2026 Mercury Prize for second album This Music May Contain Hope

Raye's second album takes the £25,000 award, the first pop winner since 1994.

Updated Oct 23, 2026 · 00:14 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • Raye won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope.[BBC News]
  • The award carries £25,000 and goes to the best British or Irish album as chosen by an industry panel.[The Guardian]
  • The win is the first by a pop album since M People's Elegant Slumming in 1994.[BBC News]

Key facts

  • Raye won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope.[BBC News · The Guardian]
  • The award carries a £25,000 prize and recognizes the best British or Irish album as voted for by a music industry panel.[The Guardian]
  • The win is the first time a pop album has won the Mercury Prize since M People's Elegant Slumming in 1994.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.