RAYE Calls Mercury Prize Win a ‘Really Serious’ Honour on Her Birthday

Raye has taken home the 2026 Mercury Prize, describing the win as the "best birthday present" she could have hoped for.

The 28-year-old singer-songwriter won for her album This Music May Contain Hope, which she wrote and co-produced. She said she had poured "so much passion and love for music" into the record.

Speaking backstage at Newcastle's Utilita Arena after her victory on Thursday night (22.10.26), she said: "I just poured so much heart into this album, I really did.

"Down to the wire, I set myself the goal to just make the most ambitious album.

"We have about four orchestras’ worth of musicians on this.

"So much passion and love for music went into this album and really this accolade is really serious and something I always dreamed to one day receive. I just feel really grateful.

"It's just the best birthday present I could have asked for."

Raye beat a strong field of contenders, including Sir Paul McCartney, whose solo album The Boys of Dungeon Lane was among this year's 12 Albums of the Year. The Beatles legend had never previously appeared on a Mercury Prize shortlist.

Other nominees included Dave with The Boy Who Played the Harp, Florence + The Machine with Everybody Scream, Olivia Dean with The Art of Loving, Nia Archives with Emotional Junglist and Suede with Antidepressants.

Also in contention were Dove Ellis with Blizzard, JADE with THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!, Knats with A Great Day in Newcastle, Kojey Radical with Don’t Look Down and the collaborative War Child Records project HELP(2).

However, Raye's fans may have to wait a while before hearing another album from the singer.

In August, the star, who has been romantically linked to Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan, announced that she would not release another record until she had found love.

Appearing on the Today show, RAYE joked: "I’m on strike, basically. I’m on strike from making an album until I fall in love basically.

"Because, do you know what it is? I’ve written so many songs ... Picture this: I’ve been a songwriter for a really long time and your perspective … my perspective has largely just been, ‘This didn’t work out or this sucks or I’m alone. My ex that time, or my ex that time.’ So I’m just very bored of that perspective."

When asked whether she would put off her next release until she found "Mr Right", Raye replied: "Absolutely. I’m hard-set. It could be 10 years, guys."

Looking ahead, Raye is keen to approach her next project with a more positive perspective.

She said: "I’m just really excited to find another project, see what happens in life and just enjoy the twists and turns, do all that stuff."