Paul McCartney lands first-ever Mercury Prize nomination as 2026 shortlist is revealed

His nomination goes alongside Dave, Olivia Dean, Raye and many more for this year's Mercury Prize.

Date published: 31st Jul 2026

It has been annouced that The Beatles legend has just received his first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for his latest album, 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane'. Released earlier this year in May, the album is a recount of memories from his formative years and was McCartney's first album in five years. 

Sharing his reaction to the nomination on Instagram, McCartney wrote, "What a brilliant and exciting surprise to be part of such an incredible list @mercuryprize. To have The Boys of Dungeon Lane recognised alongside so many brilliant artists and albums is a huge honour for me. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and enjoy the album. We have been having so much fun along the way. From making it with @thisiswatt (songwriter/producer Andrew Watt) to getting it out there for people to hear. I must say the reaction has been really special." 

Also among the shortlist are Dave with 'The Boy Who Played the Harp' after he won in 2019 with 'Psychodrama', Florence + The Machine for a fourth time with sixth LP 'Everybody Scream', Olivia Dean landing a second Mercury acknowledgement for the hugely successful 'The Art Of Loving', and RAYE with 'THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE'.

Irish singer Dove Ellis also finds herself also shortlisted with 'Blizzard', as well as former Little Mix star JADE with huge solo debut 'THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!', Knats with 'A Great Day In Newcastle', Kojey Radical’s who is making his second Mercury shortlist appearance with 'Don’t Look Down',  Suede with 'Antidepressants', War Child Records with their indie star-studded charity compilation album 'Help(2)', and finally Nia Archives for 'Emotional Junglist', which just made the cut

The Mercury Prize is an annual music prize awarded for the best album released by a music act from the U.K. or Ireland. In addition to an award, the winner also receives £25,000. The Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Saturday 22nd October, where there will be live performances from many of the artists, as well as coverage broadcast across the BBC.

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Header image credit: Paul McCartney/ Facebook.com