Paul McCartney, RAYE, and Florence + The Machine make Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist
Paul McCartney receives his first Mercury Prize nomination at 84, joining RAYE and Florence + The Machine on the 2026 shortlist, sparking fan debate over the selections.
The Mercury Prize 2026 shortlist has landed, and music fans are divided over the 10 nominees announced on 30 July. Paul McCartney, RAYE, Florence + The Machine, JADE, Nia Archives, Dave, Dove Ellis, Suede, Olivia Dean, and Kojey Radical are competing for the prize, alongside the War Child Records compilation Help(2).
The 84-year-old McCartney's first Mercury nomination has surprised fans on social media. "2026 music scene is so wild even Paul McCartney is competing with Nia Archives," one user posted, while another called his inclusion "not on my bingo card this year." Many praised the broader slate as "stacked," with supporters backing Nia Archives, RAYE, and Florence + The Machine as strong contenders.
However, the list has also drawn criticism for notable omissions. Fans questioned the absence of Lily Allen and Gorillaz, with one user writing: "How the fcuk has Lily Allen not been nominated for the Mercury Prize?" Previous winners Harry Styles, Arlo Parks, and James Blake, who all released albums this year, were also left off.
The winner will be crowned on 22 October at Newcastle's Utilita Arena, where Sam Fender won last year for People Watching. Fender previously donated his £25,000 prize to the Music Venue Trust.
