Paul McCartney has earned his first Mercury Prize nomination for his album The Boys of Dungeon Lane, joining Olivia Dean, Dave, and other artists in the running for the 2026 award.
The ceremony will take place on October 22 at Newcastle's Utilita Arena, featuring live performances from the nominees before the winner is revealed.
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McCartney's Reflective Album
McCartney's album reflects on his Liverpool childhood and early days with The Beatles, marking his first new release in five years.
It reached number one on the charts.
Speaking to The Guardian, McCartney said of his late collaborator: "My collaborator was probably one of the best writers of the century, so, yeah, you’re going to miss him."
Olivia Dean's Favorited Album
Olivia Dean, a previous Mercury nominee, is favored with The Art of Loving, which has won Brit and MOBO Album of the Year and spent 43 weeks in the UK Top 5.
Her soulful collection was created in East London, inspired by relaxed writing sessions and late-night conversations.
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Other Notable Nominees
Rapper Dave is nominated for The Boy Who Played the Harp, addressing faith and personal struggle.
Florence + The Machine earns a fourth Mercury nod for Everybody Scream, shaped by her experience with a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.
Irish newcomer Dove Ellis features with his debut Blizzard, noted for emotional intensity. Jade, formerly of Little Mix, is nominated for her solo debut That's Showbiz Baby!
Other nominees include jazz group Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Suede, and the charity compilation Help(2) from War Child Records.
Notable absences include Lily Allen's West End Girl, Harry Styles, Gorillaz, and Ed Sheeran.
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The 12 albums were selected by a panel of industry experts, including journalists and musicians such as Afrodeutsche and Jamie Cullum, who will also decide the winner.
