The 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist has named 12 British and Irish albums competing for the annual award, which recognises artistic achievement across contemporary music. The selection combines major pop and rock figures with newer artists and a charity compilation.

– 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)*