The 2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist Revealed

The Mercury Prize has announced its shortlist for the best British and Irish album of 2026.

This year’s awards ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October and feature performances from many of the shortlisted artists.

Leading the nominees are global pop star Olivia Dean with her album The Art of Loving, former Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney with The Boys of Dungeon Lane, Britpop outfit Suede with Antidepressants and former Mercury Prize winner Dave, whose third album The Boy Who Played the Harp has been put forward for the coveted prize.

The shortlist also includes Dove Ellis for Blizzard, Knats for A Great Day In Newcastle, RAYE for THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., Florence + The Machine for Everybody Scream, Nia Archives for Emotional Junglist, JADE for THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!, Kojey Radical for Don't Look Down and the War Child Records compilation HELP(2).

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The judging panel consists of an independent group of industry professionals, including musicians, broadcasters, journalists and industry experts.

The 2026 Mercury Prize judges are AFRODEUTSCHE -(Composer, DJ & Radio 3 Unwind & 6 Music Broadcaster), Danielle Perry (Broadcaster Absolute Radio & Jazz FM & Musician), Jamie Cullum (Musician & Radio 2 Broadcaster), Jeff Smith (Head of Music, Radio 2 & 6 Music), Lea Stonhill (Music Programming Consultant), MistaJam (Songwriter, DJ & Broadcaster), Phil Alexander (Creative Director, Kerrang!/Contributing Editor, MOJO), Sian Eleri –(Radio 1 Broadcaster & DJ), Sophie Williams (Music Writer & Broadcaster) and Will Hodgkinson (Chief Rock & Pop Critic, The Times).

Radio 1 presenter and DJ Maia Beth is also returning for the ceremony. Along with hosting the red carpet coverage at the awards show in Newcastle, she will be conducting exclusive artist interviews with those featuring on the Albums of the Year shortlist for Mercury Prize social channels.

"It’s an absolute pleasure to be back working with the Mercury Prize this year!" says Beth. "Last year's Mercury Prize was a celebration of music - from jazz to pop and everything in between. Having it in Newcastle brought attention to a place I’m so proud of, and I can’t wait to be back celebrating the best music in the best place."

Last year saw hometown lad Sam Fender take out the Prize for his third album People Watching, while recent past winners include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice, Young Fathers and more.

The 2026 Mercury Prize takes place at Utilita Arena in Newcastle on Thursday 22 October. More information is available at mercuryprize.com.

2026 Mercury Prize Shortlist

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)