The wait is over! The Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist is here.
Each year as The Mercury Prize draws closer, it is always interesting to speculate who will be nominated. The wait for 2026 is over as the new shortlist has been revealed and it’s not short on some mega artists.
The Mercury Prize is an annual music award given for the best album released that year, in the UK and Ireland. There are always just 12 albums in the running. Just as they were last year, the awards are due to be held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle this October, with BBC Music covering the event.
In 2025, it was Sam Fender who took home the prize in his hometown for his album People Watching. This year also sees some fellow Geordies nominated, please see the full list of nominees below.
Take a look at the full shortlist:
• Jade Thirlwall – THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!
• Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
• Dave – The Boy Who Played Harp
• Dove Ellis – Blizzard
• Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
• RAYE – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE
• War Child Record – HELP(2)
• Suede – Antidepressants
• Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
• Nia Archives – Emotional Jungle
• Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
• Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Image source of featured image.
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