2026 New Music Awards: Meet the Nominees
New Music Weekly has officially revealed the nominations for the 2026 New Music Awards, kicking off another year of celebrating the artists, radio programmers, and industry professionals who help shape today’s music landscape. This year’s ballot reflects the continued rise of both chart‑topping stars and fast‑growing independent voices. Among the major‑label standouts earning top recognition are Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone, and Teddy Swims—all of whom have dominated playlists, airwaves, and fan conversations throughout the past year. On the independent side, Michele Bettencourt, John Jurney, and Eileen Carey lead a diverse group of emerging and established indie artists whose momentum has been impossible to ignore. The New Music Awards also extend beyond artists, honoring the essential contributors behind the scenes. This year’s nominations include a wide range of radio stations, program directors, music directors, and industry executives, acknowledging their ongoing commitment to breaking new music and supporting rising talent. For the first time this cycle, fans and subscribers will play an even more active role in determining the winners. Voting is now open on the New Music Weekly website, giving music lovers the chance to directly influence the outcome of one of the industry’s most inclusive award platforms. Read the full article
