The 2026 Mercury Prize has officially unveiled its 12 Albums of the Year. Announced on Thursday, July 30, live on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds by Jamz Supernova, this year’s shortlist spans rap, pop, rock, jazz, soul and electronic music, with artists ranging from Dave and RAYE to Paul McCartney and Florence + The Machine.
Following its biggest edition yet in 2025, the prestigious British and Irish music prize will once again be hosted in Newcastle, with the winner set to be crowned on October 22 at the Utilita Arena during a live ceremony featuring performances from several shortlisted artists.
The 12 nominated albums are:
Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
JADE – THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Paul McCartney – The Boys of Dungeon Lane
RAYE – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2).
Among the biggest stories is JADE, whose debut solo album THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! earns one of the year’s most significant nominations following her transition from Little Mix to a solo career. Dave also returns to the Mercury spotlight with The Boy Who Played the Harp, an introspective third album praised for its poetic songwriting and collaborations with Tems and Kano.
Veteran acts are equally well represented. Florence + The Machine received recognition for the emotionally explosive Everybody Scream, while Paul McCartney landed another major career milestone with The Boys of Dungeon Lane, his twentieth solo studio album. Suede’s acclaimed Antidepressants also secured a place after earning widespread critical acclaim.
Several artists arrive carrying considerable momentum. Olivia Dean’s warm, soulful The Art of Loving has continued establishing her as one of Britain’s defining contemporary voices and achieved international success, while Nia Archives’ Emotional Junglist expanded the boundaries of jungle and drum & bass with a deeply personal second album. Kojey Radical’s Don’t Look Down blends rap, gospel and jazz influences into one of his most emotionally layered projects, and Newcastle trio Knats receive hometown recognition with A Great Day In Newcastle ahead of this year’s ceremony.
An independent panel of music industry experts selected this year’s finalists, chaired by BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music’s Jeff Smith. The judging team includes broadcaster Jamie Cullum, Kerrang! creative director Phil Alexander, Radio 1 presenter Sian Eleri, AFRODEUTSCHE, Sophie Williams, Danielle Perry, Lea Stonhill, MistaJam and Will Hodgkinson.
BBC Music will once again broadcast the awards ceremony, while Radio 1 presenter Maia Beth returns to host artist interviews and red carpet coverage across Mercury Prize social channels.
Leave a Reply