Olivia Dean has secured a place on the 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist with her second album, The Art of Loving. The newly announced list recognizes 12 albums by British and Irish artists across pop, rock, rap, jazz and other genres.
Dean is nominated alongside Paul McCartney, RAYE, Dave, Florence + the Machine, JADE, Suede and several emerging acts. The selection gives her another major industry honor after a successful period for the album and its singles.
This is Dean’s second Mercury Prize nomination. Her debut album, Messy, was shortlisted in 2023, helping establish her as one of Britain’s prominent new soul and pop performers. The Art of Loving, released in 2025, expanded her audience with songs including Man I Need.
The Mercury Prize is awarded annually to an outstanding album released by a British or Irish artist. A judging panel selects the winner based on artistic merit rather than sales or chart performance.
The 2026 winner is scheduled to be revealed during a ceremony in Newcastle on October 22. The winning artist will receive a £25,000 prize.
