Paul McCartney earns first Mercury Prize nomination at 84, Olivia Dean and Raye also shortlisted

The shortlist

The 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist, announced on Thursday (30 July), comprises 12 albums chosen by a 12-member independent jury. The prize, founded in 1992, recognises the best album of the year by a British or Irish artist, judged solely on musical merit. Albums released between 30 August 2025 and 17 July 2026 were eligible. The jury, chaired by BBC 6 Music's Jeff Smith, included composer Afrodeutsche, musician Jamie Cullum, and critic Will Hodgkinson. Alongside McCartney, Olivia Dean's chart-topping "The Art of Loving", which won Album of the Year at the Brit Awards and spent 43 weeks in the UK Top Five, is a strong contender. Raye's "This Music May Contain Hope", her second consecutive nomination, also features. The list is completed by Dave ("The Boy Who Played the Harp"), Irish newcomer Dove Ellis ("Blizzard"), Florence + the Machine ("Everybody Scream"), former Little Mix star Jade ("That's Showbiz Baby!"), jazz group Knats ("A Great Day in Newcastle"), Kojey Radical ("Don't Look Down"), Nia Archives ("Emotional Junglist"), Suede ("Antidepressants"), and the War Child charity compilation "Help(2)", which includes contributions from Olivia Rodrigo and Arctic Monkeys.

McCartney's first nod

At 84, Paul McCartney receives his first Mercury Prize nomination for "The Boys of Dungeon Lane", his 20th solo studio album. Released at the end of May, the 14-track record reflects on his childhood in the Speke area of Liverpool and his early friendships with the Beatles. It became his first album in five years and reached number one on the UK charts. Speaking to the Guardian upon the album's release, McCartney said he felt the presence of John Lennon while writing.

My collaborator was probably one of the best writers of the century, so, yeah, you're going to miss him. But when I write [about a specific place], I kind of know he would've known it. I can gauge his reaction: that's good, stick that in.

Notable omissions

Several high-profile releases were absent from the shortlist. Lily Allen's "West End Girl", a candid break-up album about her marriage to David Harbour, was widely praised but did not make the cut. Harry Styles' "Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally" and Gorillaz' "The Mountain" were also overlooked. Other missing names include Lola Young, Blood Orange, The Last Dinner Party, and Boards of Canada. Artists submit themselves for consideration, so it is unclear whether Allen was passed over or chose not to enter.

The ceremony

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at Newcastle's Utilita Arena on 22 October, the second consecutive year the event is held outside London. The evening will feature live performances from shortlisted artists and be broadcast by BBC Music. The victor receives a £25,000 grant (approximately $33,000). Last year's Newcastle event generated a £1.4 million economic boost for the region, according to BPI executives.

Last year's Mercury Prize and its brilliant performances and Fringe gave the region a £1.4 million economic and cultural boost and the whole of Newcastle came together to give the event a warm, big Geordie hug.

Recent winners

The Mercury Prize has a history of spotlighting both established and emerging talent. Recent winners include Sam Fender (2025), English Teacher (2024), Ezra Collective (2023), Little Simz (2022), and Arlo Parks (2021). Both Dave and Suede have previously won the prize, in 2019 and 1993 respectively.