The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has been revealed.

Among the 12 nominees are Dave, who is in the running for 'The Boy Who Played the Harp', Florence + The Machine, who are nominated for 'Everybody Scream', Olivia Dean for 'The Art Of Loving', Paul McCartney for 'The Boys Of Dungeon Lane', RAYE for 'THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE', and Suede for 'Antidepressants'. Check out the full list below:

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)’

This year's shortlisted albums were selected by a panel of judges including AFRODEUTSCHE, Danielle Perry, Jamie Cullum, Jeff Smith, Lea Stonhill, MistaJam, Phil Alexander, Sian Eleri, Sophie Williams, Will Hodgkinson, and panel chair Jeff Smith.

The winner will be announced at the awards show on October 22 at Newcastle's Utilita Arena, with the evening also set to feature live performances from many of the 12 nominees, culminating in the announcement of the winner. Tickets are on sale now. BBC Music will also cover the event.

Newcastle department store Fenwick will return as a partner, displaying the 12 nominated albums in its Blackett Street window, hosting live music events and creative workshops, and featuring an official Mercury Prize pop-up with exclusive artist merchandise as part of the Mercury Prize Fringe.

Last year’s prize was won by Sam Fender for 'People Watching'. Previous winners include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Arlo Parks, Michael Kiwanuka, Dave and Wolf Alice.

Mercury Prize Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows

Thu October 22 2026 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Utilita Arena

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See Mercury Prize Tour Dates & Buy Tickets Here