Paul McCartney receives debut Mercury Prize nod with RAYE, Olivia Dean and JADE also shortlisted

Sean O'Grady (PA)Thu, July 30, 2026 at 9:45 AM UTC

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Among the nominated works is Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving, which previously earned her the Album of the Year accolade at the Brit Awards (Getty)

Sir Paul McCartney has landed his first Mercury Prize nomination as he battles Olivia Dean and Raye for the prestigious award.

The esteemed award, established in 1992, annually recognises the best album released by an artist from the UK or Ireland.

Among the nominated works is Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving, which previously earned her the Album of the Year accolade at the Brit Awards.

Sir Paul McCartney also makes the cut with his latest release, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane.

The 14-track record from the iconic Beatles star explores memories from his formative years, its title referencing a spot close to his childhood home in Liverpool’s Speke.

Released at the end of May, this chart-topping album marked Sir Paul’s first new material in five years.

Also on the shortlist are Raye’s This Music May Contain Hope, Dave’s The Boy Who Played The Harp, Florence And The Machine’s Everybody Scream, Dove Ellis’s Blizzard and Knats’ A Great Day In Newcastle.

The list is completed by Kojey Radical’s Don’t Look Down, Former Little Mix star Jade with That’s Showbiz Baby!, Nia Archives for Emotional Junglist, Suede with Antidepressants and War Child Records with HELP(2).

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Albums are nominated based on musical merit, irrespective of how successful the record or act have been in the year.

The event will feature live performances from many of the nominated artists before the winner is announced.

The Mercury Prize ceremony will be held on Thursday, 22 October at the Utilita Arena Newcastle. The event was also held in Newcastle in 2025, its first year outside London.

The evening will feature live performances from the shortlisted artists before the overall winner is announced, with the ceremony broadcast by BBC Music.

Last year’s event also saw Newcastle and the North East host a week-long fringe programme of events and talks, which, according to BPI executive board members Dr Jo Twist and YolanDa, significantly boosted regional tourism.

Last year's coveted prize was awarded to Geordie singer Sam Fender, who joined an esteemed list of previous winners including Ezra Collective, Little Simz, and Dave (Getty)

In a joint statement, they said: "Last year’s Mercury Prize and its brilliant performances and Fringe gave the region a £1.4 million economic and cultural boost and the whole of Newcastle came together to give the event a warm, big Geordie hug."

They concluded: "We are delighted to see the Prize return to the Toon and to the North East for what we know will be another memorable occasion for artists and fans."

Sam Fender won last year’s prize for his album People Watching. Other winners in recent years include English Teacher, Little Simz, Arlo Parks and Wolf Alice.

Along with a trophy, the winner of the Mercury Prize receives £25,000.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”