The nominations for the Youth Music Awards 2026 have officially been announced, spotlighting the most promising emerging artists and industry professionals across the UK. This year’s ceremony marks a significant milestone for the charity, as it moves away from London for the first time since its inception in 2019 to host the event at Liverpool’s iconic St George’s Hall on Wednesday, October 28.
Dedicated to supporting young people as they navigate the early stages of their musical careers, the Youth Music Awards encompass 11 distinct categories. These range from performance-based accolades like the Rising Star Award (Artist) and the Lyricist Award to behind-the-scenes recognition such as the Music Producer Award and the Rising Star Award (Industry).
Beyond individual artistry, the awards also celebrate community-driven initiatives. Categories such as the Outstanding Project, Social Action Award, and Inspirational Music Leader highlight the trailblazing work being done at the grassroots level to make the music industry more inclusive and accessible.
Carol Reid, Youth Music’s interim co-CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s cohort. “We’re so excited to announce this year’s Youth Music Awards nominees,” Reid stated. “It’s an inspiring snapshot of what a more diverse and creative music industry could look like, if we support grassroots music. These are the future changemakers of our industry.”
Reid also noted the tangible impact of these projects, pointing out that the last three Mercury Prize winners all benefited from Youth Music-funded initiatives at some point in their development. “Behind many of the artists we see on the biggest stages are local grassroots projects giving young people the space, support and opportunities to develop their talent,” she added.
The 2026 nominations follow a successful previous year that saw accolades for artists such as English Teacher and JayaHadADream. Below is the full list of nominees for the upcoming ceremony.
Rising Star Award (Industry) Sponsored By Kickers
- Honey Keenan (NextGen Fund – Scotland)
- Jed Wright – (NextGen Fund – South East)
- Rianne Lewis (NextGen Fund – London)
Rising Star Award (Artist) Sponsored By Empire
- HULTON (NextGen Fund – South East)
- Livvy K (NextGen Fund – North West)
- Marz Fay (NextGen Fund – London)
- Righteous Reck (NextGen Fund – London)
- Roukaya B (NextGen Fund – North West)
Lyricist Award
- Astles (LIMF Academy – North West)
- KOJ (LIMF Academy Launchpad – North West)
- M. Yesekaon (NextGen Fund – Wales)
- Simon A (NextGen Fund – London)
- Sunkissed Child (NextGen Fund – London)
Music Video Award Supported By Notion
- Dayzy (Noise – Merseyside Youth Association – North West)
- Hillarynx (NextGen Fund – London)
- IMVN (NextGen Fund – London)
- Simon a. (NextGen Fund – London)
Music Producer Award Supported by Elephant Music
- Cherry Seraph (NextGen Fund – Yorkshire & The Humber)
- IMVN (NextGen Fund – London)
- Jelia (London)
- Melba (NextGen Fund – North East)
Original Track Award (Group)
- C4Truth & RHIA (London)
- Ronn & Zuko Rosemeid (NextGen Fund – London)
- TRACKS COLLECTIVE (Yorkshire & The Humber)
Original Track Award (Solo)
- BEASTIE (NextGen Fund – London)
- Bethane (Merseyside Youth Association – North West)
- Hana (NextGen Fund – London)
- Shiloh (Youth Music incubator, Phlexx & Mimm Collective – East Midlands)
- ONYINYÉ (NextGen Fund – West Midlands/Ireland)
- YV Shells (NextGen Fund – London)
Outstanding Project Supported by Arts Council England
- Blue Cabin, This is the Place (North East)
- Carousel, The Rock House (South East)
- Conscious Youth CIC, Elevation Music (Yorkshire and The Humber)
- Jack Drum Arts, Growing Green Music (North East)
- Jubacana, Music Futures (North West)
Social Action Award Sponsored by Muse Group
- Compass Collective (London)
- Ros Hawley, Songbirds Music UK CIC (North West)
- Thrive Project (North East)
- TiPP (North East)
Young Leader Award Sponsored By AQA
- Finn Simpson Murphy (Young Producers – North East)
- Josh Dickinson (NextGen Fund – North West)
- Ria Leah (The Spit Game UK – London)
Inspirational Music Leader Sponsored By the MU
- Abi Johnson (The Music Works – South West)
- Holly Prest (Jubacana Music Futures – South East)
- Souria Boudina (New Sounds Of Crawley – South East)