RAYE has another major accolade to add to her growing collection!

For, the British songbird has been crowned GQ’s ‘Woman of the Year’ 2026, celebrating a remarkable period of personal and professional triumph.

The honor sees the 29-year-old grace the magazine’s annual Men of the Year issue in a stunning new shoot photographed by Jenny Brough.

And accompanying the striking spread is a candid interview that sees the singer reflect on her career, creative freedom, love life, and what’s next.

Full story below…

Speaking with Zing Tsjeng for British GQ, RAYE revisited her turbulent relationship with former label Polydor.

The star recalled working exhausting schedules and repeatedly requesting the opportunity to release an album before publicly airing her frustrations in 2021.

After securing her independence, she scored a #1 with ‘Escapism.’ Intriguingly, RAYE revealed that Polydor subsequently sent her flowers and a letter, which she framed as a reminder of her vindication.

Asked by GQ about her account, Polydor declined to address the specific questions but issued the following statement:

“Raye is an exceptional artist whose remarkable success over the years speaks for itself. We are proud of all that we achieved together”

The label also wished her continued success in her career.

The songbird has since gone from strength to strength.

Her sophomore album, ‘This Music May Contain Hope,’ topped the UK chart and won the 2026 Mercury Prize.

As previously reported, she’ll headline BST Hyde Park next summer.

RAYE on Creative Freedom:

“Creating this album, I had no A&R, I had no boxes to tick. I was governed by this… Like, rebellion.”

Elsewhere, the ‘Where Is My Husband!’ singer shared that she’s been single for seven years.

And it seems she’s already mapping out her romantic future in music.

Indeed, RAYE playfully revealed that her third album is intended to be titled ‘And Then She Fell in Love.’

RAYE on Her Third Album:

“Everyone knows I’m on strike until, you know, my third album […] I’m absolutely, extremely serious that that’s what my album’s going to be called.”

As for Michael B. Jordan, she reiterated that their relationship is professional, following earlier romance speculation.

The pair are collaborating on an undisclosed project, though RAYE confirmed she isn’t acting alongside him.

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: Jenny Brough / British GQ]

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