Mercury Prize 2026: Olivia Dean is the favourite ahead of Thursday's ceremony
Twelve albums are in the running for the British and Irish music prize, including records by Paul McCartney, Raye and Florence + The Machine. The ceremony is in Newcastle.
Graphic: TERRA WORLD NEWS (own graphic based on the sources listed)
The 2026 Mercury Prize will be awarded at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on Thursday, 22 October. The prize recognises the best album from the UK and Ireland; last year's winner was Sam Fender. BBC Music is the media partner for the ceremony, which features live performances.
The nominees 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') and the War Child benefit record 'HELP(2)'.
According to NME, citing bookmaker William Hill, Olivia Dean is the favourite at 3/1, followed by Nia Archives (4/1) and Raye (9/2). Paul McCartney has the longest odds (16/1). The prize is worth £25,000 – Sam Fender donated it to the Music Venue Trust in 2025.