Raye has spoken about the honour of receiving the “best birthday present” with her Mercury Prize 2026 for ‘ This Music May Contain Hope ‘, sharing that she “just feels seriously seen” after her years of struggle.

The London singer-songwriter was crowned the winner of the 2026 prize in Newcastle last night (Thursday October 22) for her second album, beating off competition from other shortlisted records by Paul McCartney , JADE , Nia Archives , Dave , Suede , Florence + The Machine , Olivia Dean , Knats, RAYE , Dove Ellis , and Kojey Radical , along with the War Child ‘Help(2)’ compilation album.

The win comes on the eve of her playing the album in full with an orchestra at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hal l tonight, and ahead of her celebrating her 29th birthday tomorrow.…