Raye won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second album This music can hold hope. She won the award against competitors including Sir Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Florence and the Machine, Jade and Nia Archives. This is Raye’s first time winning this award: her 2023 album My 21st century blues also made the shortlist, but lost to Ezra Collective.
Accepting the award at a ceremony in Newcastle, Raye said: “Albums are so important, and you shouldn’t be bitter – because I feel like I’m at peace with my past – but as I come from a place where it’s all about singles and chasing the future, I feel so grateful to be recognised. I hope this message reaches everyone who needs it.
Elsewhere during the ceremony, Raye performed This music can hold hope“I Hate The Way I Look Today” from “I Hate The Way I Look Today” accompanied by a full big band. A number of other nominees also took over: Jade performed “Angel of My Dreams” from It’s showbiz, babyDean sang “Let Alone The One You Love” and Florence and the Machine offered a rendition of “One Of the Greats.” Pulp also took the stage to perform “Begging for Change” from the War Child Records compilation. Help (2)which raised funds for children living in war zones.
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