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. The winner will be named at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 22 October, with the ceremony expected to include live performances and BBC coverage.

– 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)’