Mercury Prize 2026: Irish artist Dove Ellis shortlisted alongside Paul McCartney, Raye and more

Irish singer-songwriter Dove Ellis has been shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize.The musician, nominated for their album Blizzard, features on the shortlist alongside Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Raye and more.The prize, created in 1992, is awarded each year to the best album by an artist from the UK or Ireland.Dove Ellis, who hails from Galway, released his debut album on the back of supporting Geese, the American indie band of the moment, around the United States.READ MOREIn his five-star review of Blizzard in The Irish Times, Ed Power described the album as “urgent and stubborn, full of sharp edges and illuminated throughout by a refusal to compromise.”The other nominated albums include Dean’s The Art Of Loving, which won album of the year at the Brit Awards, and McCartney’s latest work, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane.The Beatles star’s album recounts memories from his formative years.The 14-track record was named after a place close to his childhood home in Forthlin Road in the Liverpool suburb of Speke.Released at the end of May, it was McCartney’s first album in five years and reached number one on the UK album charts.Also on the shortlist are Raye’s This Music May Contain Hope, Dave’s The Boy Who Played The Harp, Florence + the Machine’s Everybody Scream, Dove Ellis’s Blizzard and Knats’ A Great Day In Newcastle.The list is completed by Kojey Radical’s Don’t Look Down, Former Little Mix star Jade with That’s Showbiz Baby!, Nia Archives for Emotional Junglist, Suede with Antidepressants and War Child Records with HELP(2).Albums are nominated based on musical merit, irrespective of how successful the record or act have been in the year.The event will feature live performances from many of the nominated artists before the winner is announced.The Mercury Prize ceremony will be held on Thursday October 22nd at the Utilita Arena Newcastle.The event was also held in Newcastle in 2025, its first year outside London.Sam Fender won last year’s prize for his album People Watching.Other winners in recent years include English Teacher, Little Simz, Arlo Parks and Wolf Alice.Along with a trophy, the winner of the Mercury Prize receives £25,000. -PA