Raye wins Mercury Prize with This Music May Contain Hope
Raye won the Mercury Prize in Newcastle on 22 October with her second album, This Music May Contain Hope. She emerged from a 12-album shortlist that included Paul McCartney and Olivia Dean. The independent judging panel praised the album’s ambition and structure, while the ceremony brought several shortlisted performers to the stage.
Arts··Morning
Raye receives the award in Newcastle
British singer and songwriter Raye won the Mercury Prize on 22 October for This Music May Contain Hope, her second album. The ceremony was held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle. Her album topped a shortlist of twelve albums.[1], [2]
The independent judging panel praised the album’s scale, structure, ambition and charm. The 28-year-old musician, born Rachel Agatha Keen, comes from Tooting in south London. Her earlier awards include six Brit Awards in 2024 and a Grammy in January this year.[1]
Shortlisted musicians take the stage
Raye and fellow nominee Olivia Dean performed during the ceremony. Pulp also appeared in support of Help 2, the project benefiting the War Child charity. Paul McCartney, nominated for Boys of Dungeon Lane, sent a video message instead of attending. At 84, he was receiving his first Mercury nomination.[1]
An album prize decided on the night
The Mercury Prize considers albums released by British and Irish musicians over the preceding twelve months. A panel drawn from the music industry makes its final choice on the night. The award was established in 1992. Newcastle hosted the ceremony for a second consecutive year after Sam Fender’s victory there in 2025. Previous winners include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Arctic Monkeys and PJ Harvey, the only artist to have won twice.[1]
