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

Raye takes 2026 Mercury Prize

• Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope. • Released in March, the record went straight to the top of the UK charts and drew glowing reviews from critics. • She is the 35th winner of the prize, which recognises albums that push the boundaries of music. • The album almost never happened: two years ago the singer's car was stolen along with all of her songwriting notebooks and demos. • At the ceremony she performed the big band number I Hate The Way I Look.