Raye Named Variety’s 2026 Hitmaker of the Year

RAYE has been named Variety’s 2026 Hitmaker of the Year, recognising her success as a performer, songwriter and producer, as well as her advocacy for songwriters and independent artists. She will receive the honour at the 10th annual Hitmakers event in Los Angeles on 5 December, becoming the first independent artist to win it.

Since 2014, RAYE has had 21 UK Top 40 singles and amassed more than 10 billion streams. She won six BRIT Awards in 2024, then released her second album, *This Music May Contain Hope.*, in March 2026; it won the Mercury Prize in October. Other announced Hitmakers honorees include Olivia Rodrigo, named Songwriter of the Year, and Katseye, named Group of the Year.