Mercury Prize UK Shortlist Unveiled

GettyImages 2287602950 — King David Ike-Elechi, Stan Woodward and Ferg Kilsby (from left) from Knats attending the announcement of the shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize, at the Langham Hotel, central London. Picture date: Thursday July 30, 2026. *Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images*

The twelve “Albums of the Year” nominated at this year’s Mercury Prize were announced today, on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds by Jamz Supernova. The shortlist includes Dave, Florence + The Machine, Paul McCartney, RAYE, and Olivia Dean, who already swept the 2026 Brit Awards with her current album, The Art Of Loving.

The 2026 Mercury Prize 12 “Albums of the Year” 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)

The Mercury Prize returns to Newcastle as the host city for 2026, in partnership with Newcastle City Council. The awards show will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Utilita Arena Newcastle and will feature live performances from many of the nominated artists, culminating in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2026 Mercury Prize.

The Prize’s broadcast partner, BBC Music, will cover the event. Tickets for the 2026 Mercury Prize awards ceremony are on sale.

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