UKNY for October 18
Mercury Prize 2026 shortlisted albums
Tonight's "UKNY" at 7 p.m. is dedicated to the 12 shortlisted albums and artists for the 2026 Mercury Prize, one of the most prestigious awards given to British and Irish musicians. The award, which includes a cash prize of £25,000 (about $33,100), can give an emerging band or artist some needed recognition or an established one an overdue honor.
The Mercury Prize will be announced this Thursday, October 22, in Newcastle at Utilita Arena, the second year in a row that the ceremony and concert has headed north, rather than taking place in London. Past winners have included Michael Kiwanuka, Arlo Parks, Wolf Alice, English Teacher, and Ezra Collective — and last year, Newcastle's Sam Fender took home the prize for his album, People Watching.
This year's 12 shortlisted nominees are a surprising group of some past winners (Suede, Dave), multiple close-but-no-cigar nominees (Florence + The Machine, RAYE, Olivia Dean, Nia Archives, Kojey Radical), first-timers (Paul McCartney, Dove Ellis, Knats, JADE) and even a compilation (HELP (2), the benefit album for War Child).
Multiple genres — and good arguments for each of these shortlisted artists (or compilation) to win.
Listen to "UKNY," Sundays from 7-8 p.m., on 90.7FM, streaming online, and in the Archives after broadcast.
