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Mercury Prize 2026: check out this year’s shortlisted albums
Developed over time first seen 4 months ago
The 12 albums shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize have been announced, recognising UK and Irish releases across pop, rock, rap, electronic music, jazz and poetry. The winner will be revealed at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 22 October, with performances from several nominees and BBC coverage planned.
– 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 — ‘Help(2)’
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In short
- Mercury Prize shortlist names 12 UK and Irish albums
- Winner announced in Newcastle on 22 October
- Paul McCartney receives his first Mercury shortlist nod
How this story developed
- 4 months ago The 12 albums shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize have been announced, spanning major pop, rock, jazz, electronic and rap releases from UK and Irish artists.
- 4 months ago The 12 albums shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize have been announced, recognising UK and Irish releases across pop, rock, rap, electronic music, jazz and poetry. The winner will be revealed at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 22 October, with performances from several nominees and BBC coverage planned.
Explained simply
The Mercury Prize is an annual music award for the best album by an artist from the UK or Ireland. It is known for selecting records across different styles, from mainstream pop and rock to jazz, electronic music and rap.
A panel of music industry figures chooses a shortlist of 12 albums before selecting one overall winner. The prize can bring wider attention to established performers and newer artists alike, and the award ceremony usually features performances from shortlisted acts.
The 2026 event will take place in Newcastle, reflecting the prize’s practice of holding its ceremony in different UK cities. Its shortlist includes solo artists, bands and a charity compilation, showing the range of releases eligible for the award.