If there’s one thing the music industry understands, it’s that great music deserves to be recognised. That’s why it comes as no surprise that there are so many awards in existence to honour musicians, songwriters, producers and videographers for their hard work. While some may be more prestigious than others, they all provide a sense of validation and affirmation for the winners.
Perhaps the most famous music award is The Grammys, which are voted on by the public and awarded to artists for their achievements in the past year. They are a hugely important part of the music calendar, and the winners usually see a large increase in album sales in the following years. The Billboard Music Awards are another well-known music accolade, honouring the top selling recording artists in America. The awards are based on a variety of metrics including album and single sales, streaming and radio airplay.
The Ivor Novello Awards are a series of music awards that honour the creative talent in song writing and composition. They are based on the Ivor Novello Foundation, and are named after a character in Shakespeare’s play “Much Ado About Nothing”. The Ivors are also given out to composers of classical music and jazz.
Despite its name, the World Music Awards aren’t just for popular music – they recognise artists from across the globe that have sold a substantial number of albums. The awards are voted on by the general public, which makes them a truly authentic reflection of the most popular artists around the globe. The winners receive a small statue and a cash prize of PS25,000.
In addition to the main categories, there are also special awards for artists with the most social media engagement. The awards are voted on by the public online, so it’s a good idea to make sure your fans know you want them to vote for you!
Other music awards are based on specific genres, such as the Mercury Music Prize, which is voted on by a panel of specialist judges and values genuine artistry over commercial success. The Brit Awards are another UK-based musical award, which was founded in 1952 to celebrate the achievements of British artists and has become a coveted trophy in its own right.
While some of these music awards have been criticised for not representing the full spectrum of the industry, they still remain an essential part of the calendar. Some of the biggest names in music come together to host and perform at these events, making them a true spectacle. Some of the most memorable moments in recent history have come from performances at the Grammys, such as Stevie Wonder singing ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ for Sinead O’Connor and Fantasia Barrino and Jon Batiste performing a medley in tribute to Tina Turner.
The Grammys have also been the scene of controversy, with Adele refusing to accept her Grammy for Album of the Year in 2017, and Abel Tesfaye boycotting the awards in 2020 after he failed to receive a nomination for his hit album ‘Blinding Lights’. Despite these controversies, the Grammys continue to be an important showcase for the very best in contemporary music.