Mercury Prize 2026 Shortlist: Paul McCartney Gets First-Ever Nod, Gorillaz Snub Sparks Backlash
The 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist was announced on July 30, naming 12 nominees. The biggest surprise: 84-year-old Paul McCartney picked up his first-ever Mercury Prize nomination, for the album The Boys of Dungeon Lane. The winner will be revealed at a ceremony on October 22 at Utilita Arena in Newcastle. Last year's prize went to Sam Fender for his third album, People Watching.
The Full Shortlist
- 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)
Fan Reaction: A Stacked List, With Notable Gaps
Reaction has been split between praise for the range of the shortlist and disbelief at McCartney's presence on it. Many fans are backing Nia Archives's Emotional Junglist or RAYE's THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. to take the prize. According to NME, one fan reaction to McCartney's nomination read: "2026 in music is truly unhinged — Paul McCartney is out here competing with Nia Archives."
On the snub side, a number of fans expressed frustration that Lily Allen did not make the cut. Gorillaz were also left off the list entirely — commenters on the Mercury Prize's official Instagram have publicly questioned the omission, asking "What are the judging criteria and eligibility window? Why no Gorillaz?" Harry Styles, Arlo Parks and James Blake — all previous nominees or winners who released new work this year — also missed the shortlist.
Recent Mercury Prize winners include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz and Sam Fender. The 2026 winner will be announced on October 22.