Sir Paul McCartney has been nominated for the Mercury Prize for the first time in his career, as the 2026 shortlist was unveiled on BBC Radio 6 Music.
The 84-year-old Beatles legend’s latest solo album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, appears among this year’s 12 Albums of the Year – a landmark moment for one of Britain’s most celebrated songwriters, who has never previously featured on a Mercury list.
The announcement was made by Jamz Supernova on Thursday morning (30.07.26), confirming a line-up that mixes chart-topping heavyweights, rising stars and returning favourites.
McCartney’s nomination sits alongside records from Dave (The Boy Who Played the Harp), Florence + The Machine (Everybody Scream), RAYE (THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.), Olivia Dean (The Art of Loving), Nia Archives (Emotional Junglist) and Suede (Antidepressants).
The full shortlist also includes Dove Ellis (Blizzard), JADE (THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!), Knats (A Great Day in Newcastle), Kojey Radical (Don’t Look Down) and War Child Records’ collaborative project HELP(2).
After the success of last year’s ceremony, the awards show returns to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on October 22, where many of the nominated artists are expected to perform before the overall winner is announced live on the night.
McCartney’s inclusion marks one of the most talked-about moments of the new shortlist, with The Boys of Dungeon Lane praised for its inventive production and reflective songwriting. His nomination places him alongside a new generation of British talent, underscoring the breadth of this year’s field and the Prize’s continued commitment to celebrating artistic innovation.
Tickets for the 2026 Mercury Prize Albums of the Year event in Newcastle are available now via axs.com/uk.
BBC Music will broadcast coverage across its platforms.
Last year’s Mercury Prize was handed to a local hero, Geordie chart-topper Sam Fender, for his No.1 album People Watching.
The 2026 Mercury Prize 12 Albums of the Year:
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)
