Tame Impala and Ghana-born, Canberra-raised artist Genesis Owusu are leading the charge for the 40th annual ARIA Awards, each securing a formidable eight nominations. Ecca Vandal is close behind, poised for success with seven nods. The nominations signal a vibrant celebration of Australian music, recognizing both established global acts and emerging talents.
The ARIA Awards, a cornerstone event for the Australian music industry, are set to honor the nation’s most celebrated artists across a diverse range of genres. This year’s nominations reflect a dynamic landscape, showcasing the breadth and depth of talent emanating from Australia. The ceremony will culminate in the presentation of prestigious awards, acknowledging artistic achievement and commercial success.
Tame Impala’s Psychedelic Dominance
Kevin Parker, the mastermind behind Tame Impala, is no stranger to ARIA success, having already collected 13 career awards. His latest nomination haul is largely attributed to the critical and commercial acclaim of his fifth studio album, Deadbeat, released in 2025. The album has been a global phenomenon, featuring the chart-topping single "Dracula," which spent an impressive 18 weeks in the national top 10, peaking at number four. Tame Impala’s nominations this year span key categories including Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, Best Pop Release, and Best Dance/Electronic Release, underscoring the band’s versatility and enduring appeal.
The success of Deadbeat highlights Tame Impala’s continued ability to innovate within the psychedelic pop genre, captivating both critics and a dedicated fanbase. The album’s intricate production and Parker’s distinctive vocal style have cemented its place as a significant release in the contemporary music scene. Its widespread recognition at the ARIA Awards is a testament to its impact and artistry.
Genesis Owusu: A Genre-Bending Force
Genesis Owusu, a true chameleon of sound, has established himself as one of Australia’s most exciting and multifaceted artists. His artistic prowess, which blends elements of hip-hop, funk, rock, and electronic music, has garnered him seven ARIA nominations. These nods are primarily in recognition of his third album, REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE, released earlier this year. Owusu’s nominations include coveted spots in Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, and Best Independent Release, among others.
Owusu’s career has been marked by a rapid ascent, fueled by his captivating live performances and a fearless approach to musical experimentation. His unique aesthetic and thought-provoking lyrics have resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, positioning him as a leading voice in modern Australian music. The extensive nominations for REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE highlight his significant contribution to the industry.
Ecca Vandal’s Rising Star
Ecca Vandal is also a major contender this year, with seven nominations for her sophomore album, Looking For People To Unfollow. Her work continues to push boundaries, blending diverse musical influences into a distinctive and powerful sound. Vandal’s recognition across multiple categories signifies a strong presence in the Australian music scene.
Other artists making a significant impact on the nomination list include Baker Boy, BOY SODA, G Flip, Miss Kaninna, and Ninajirachi, each receiving five nominations. These artists represent the next wave of Australian talent, demonstrating a strong and diverse musical ecosystem.
Industry Heavyweights and Emerging Voices
The ARIA Awards nominations also feature established Australian music icons. Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly, Keith Urban, Vika & Linda, and the Hilltop Hoods are among the notable artists recognized in the shortlist, published on Thursday, September 24. Their inclusion signifies their continued relevance and influence within the Australian music landscape.
Electronic music producer Dom Dolla, who is set to make history by being the first homegrown DJ to play Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, has secured four ARIA nominations. Similarly, DMA’S and Troye Sivan also received four nominations each. This diverse range of nominees underscores the ARIA Awards’ commitment to celebrating excellence across all facets of the music industry, from mainstream pop to underground electronic and rock acts.
A Milestone Celebration for Australian Music
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd expressed her enthusiasm for the nominated artists, stating, "We could not be more thrilled with this list of nominees to celebrate 40 years of Australian music and incredible human artistry. These records and these amazing artists represent the culmination of 40 years of Australian success in making great music that captures our unique voice and takes it global." Her comments emphasize the significance of this milestone year and the global reach of Australian musical talent.
The 40th annual ARIA Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 18, at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion. This event serves as a vital platform for recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Australian musicians and the broader recorded music industry.
Fan Engagement and Digital Integration
In an effort to further engage fans, the four publicly-voted ARIA categories will once again be integrated into Spotify. This partnership allows music enthusiasts to cast daily votes directly within the streaming application. The public voting period for categories including Best Australian Live Act, Song of the Year, Best Video, and Most Popular International Artist will run from September 24 to November 9, accessible via Spotify and the official ARIA website.
Mikaela Lancaster, Spotify AUNZ Managing Director, highlighted the platform’s commitment to amplifying Australian artists. "In year one, we set out to bring fans closer to the artists they love and help their music travel further, and we saw that come to life through record in-app voting, curated editorial across Spotify and our social channels, and greater global exposure for nominees," she stated. "This year, we’re building on that foundation. From discovery to global amplification, Spotify is committed to ensuring Australian artists aren’t just celebrated at home, but reach audiences around the world." This collaborative approach aims to enhance the visibility and reach of Australian music on a global scale.
Navigating the Digital Age and Copyright Challenges
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd also addressed the broader industry context, noting the ongoing efforts to protect copyright laws. "As we continue to fight against the relentless assault on our copyright laws by foreign AI companies," Herd explained, "this year’s ARIA Awards are a powerful moment to recognize the enduring power of music to give meaning to the human experience, connect Australians through our own stories and inspire us to feel truly alive. Congratulations to all the 2026 nominees." This statement underscores the ARIA Awards’ role not only in celebrating music but also in advocating for the rights of creators in an evolving digital landscape.
The 2026 ARIA Awards are proudly supported by Destination NSW, in partnership with Spotify. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Paramount+ and will be televised on Channel 10. Highlights and performances will also be made available on the @ARIA.official YouTube channel, extending the reach of the event to a wider audience.
Nominee Breakdown: A Glimpse into Australia’s Musical Landscape
Album of the Year
- BOY SODA – Soulstar [Warner Music Australia]
- DMA’S – DMA’S [Wonderlick Recording Company / Sony Music]
- Ecca Vandal – Looking For People to Unfollow [Loma Vista Recordings / Concord]
- Genesis Owusu – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE [Ourness / Believe]
- Tame Impala – Deadbeat [Columbia Records / Sony Music]
Best Solo Artist
- Baker Boy – Djandjay [Baker Boy Music Pty Ltd / Island Records Australia]
- BOY SODA – Soulstar [Warner Music Australia]
- Ecca Vandal – Looking For People to Unfollow [Loma Vista Recordings / Concord]
- G Flip – Dream Ride [AWAL Recordings]
- Genesis Owusu – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE [Ourness / Believe]
- Matt Corby – Tragic Magic [Island Records Australia / Universal Music Australia]
- Miss Kaninna – BLACKPRINT [Soul Has No Tempo / AWAL Recordings]
- Ninajirachi – WannaCry [NLV RECORDS]
- Tame Impala – Deadbeat [Columbia Records / Sony Music]
- Troye Sivan – She’s The Best [EMI Music Australia]
Best Group
- 5 Seconds of Summer – Everyone’s A Star! [Republic Records]
- DMA’S – DMA’S [Wonderlick Recording Company / Sony Music]
- Gang Of Youths – Things Take Time [Mosy Music / Sony Music]
- Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – Glory [Community Music]
- Vika & Linda – Where Do You Come From? [Mushroom Music]
Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist presented by Spotify
- aleksiah – Good On Paper [Chugg Music & Stellar Trigger / MGM]
- Ecca Vandal – Looking For People to Unfollow [Loma Vista Recordings / Concord]
- Rachael Fahim – Who You Are [Island Records Australia / Universal Music Australia]
- Way Dynamic – Massive Shoe [Spoilsport Records]
- WILSN – Bloom [Mushroom Music]
Best Pop Release
- Blusher – Rager [Warner Music Australia]
- G Flip – Dream Ride [AWAL Recordings]
- Kylie Minogue – Tension Tour//Live 2025 [Mushroom Music]
- Tame Impala – Dracula [Columbia Records / Sony Music]
- Troye Sivan – She’s The Best [EMI Music Australia]
Best Dance / Electronic Release
- Dean Turnley – Actin’ Tough [CHAOS in collaboration with HOME//GRXWN]
- Dom Dolla – Addicted to Bass [TMRW Music]
- Ninajirachi, Porter Robinson – WannaCry [NLV RECORDS]
- Tame Impala – Afterthought [Columbia Records / Sony Music]
- Yes Boone – All I Really Want [TMRW Music]
Best Hip Hop / Rap Release
- Baker Boy – Djandjay [Baker Boy Music Pty Ltd / Island Records Australia]
- DEVAURA – Vol. 2 If You Don’t Laugh, You’ll Cry [Offbeat Collective / Xelon Digital]
- Hilltop Hoods – Never Coming Home [Island Records Australia / Universal Music Australia]
- Miss Kaninna – BLACKPRINT [Soul Has No Tempo / AWAL Recordings]
- Nerve – Growing Pains [Nerve MP3’s / Xelon Digital]
Best Soul / R&B Release
- Becca Hatch – Garden (Bang Goes the Drum) [G.Y.R.O.]
- BOY SODA – Soulstar [Warner Music Australia]
- Larissa Lambert – I Love You Out Loud [New Levels / Virgin Music Group]
- Miss Kaninna – BACKSTREETS [Soul Has No Tempo / AWAL Recordings]
- Tkay Maidza – Romanticize [Dew Process / Universal Music Australia]
Best Independent Release presented by PPCA
- 2charm – boyfriend [STAR SCUM RECORDS]
- Ecca Vandal – Looking For People to Unfollow [Loma Vista Recordings / Concord]
- Genesis Owusu – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE [Ourness / Believe]
- Miss Kaninna – BLACKPRINT [Soul Has No Tempo / AWAL Recordings]
- Ninajirachi, Porter Robinson – WannaCry [NLV RECORDS]
Best Rock Album presented by Tooheys
- Courtney Barnett – Creature Of Habit [Fiction / Virgin Music Australia]
- DMA’S – DMA’S [Wonderlick Recording Company / Sony Music]
- Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – Glory [Community Music]
- The Belair Lip Bombs – Again [Third Man Records / Rocket]
- The Temper Trap – Sungazer [Mushroom Music]
Best Alternative Release
- Ecca Vandal – Looking For People to Unfollow [Loma Vista Recordings / Concord]
- Gang Of Youths – Things Take Time [Mosy Music / Sony Music]
- Genesis Owusu – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE [Ourness/Believe]
- Meg Mac – It’s My Party [EMI Music Australia]
- Tame Impala – Deadbeat [Columbia Records / Sony Music]
Best Adult Contemporary Album
- Matt Corby – Tragic Magic [Island Records Australia / Universal Music Australia]
- Paul Kelly – Seventy [EMI Music Australia]
- The Paper Kites – If You Go There, I Hope You Find It [Wonderlick Recording Company]
- Vika & Linda – Where Do You Come From? [Mushroom Music]
- Way Dynamic – Massive Shoe [Spoilsport Records]
Best Country Album
- Keith Urban – Flow State [MCA – NASHVILLE / EMI Music Australia]
- Max Jackson – Dangerous in Denim [ABC Music / The Orchard]
- Morgan Evans – Steel Town [Solrise Records / Virgin Music Group]
- Rachael Fahim – Who You Are [Island Records Australia / Universal Music Australia]
- Wade Forster – Gooseneck Party [Community Music]
Best Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Album
- Cosmic Psychos – I Really Like Beer [G.Y.R.O.]
- DZ Deathrays – Easing Out Of Control [DZ Worldwide / The Orchard]
- Karnivool – In Verses [Cymatic Records / Sony Music]
- These New South Whales – Godspeed [These New South Whales / ADA]
- WAAX – Angels Mess [AWAL/DRUNK ON POWER RECORDS]
Best Blues & Roots Album
- Any Young Mechanic – The Modern Shoe Is Ruining The Foot [Warner Records]
- Emma Donovan – Take Me To The River [Civilians / The Orchard]
- John Butler – Prism [Jarrah Records/Metropolitan Groove Merchants]
- William Crighton – Colonial Drift [ABC Music / The Orchard]
- Xavier Rudd – Freedom Sessions/Where To Now [Salt.X Records / Virgin Music Group]
Best Children’s Album
- Bluey – Up Here (The Orchestral Album) [Demon Music Group / Rocket / Orchard]
- Don Spencer – Feathers, Fur or Fins 40th Anniversary (Don Spencer & Friends) [ABC Music / The Orchard]
- Emma Memma – Jungle Picnic [G.Y.R.O.]
- Play School – Dance It Out [ABC Music / The Orchard]
- The Wiggles – Sparkle!: A Circus Of Lights [Universal Music Australia]
Best Music Festival presented by Music Australia
- Beyond The Valley 2025 – Untitled Group
- CMC Rocks – CMC Rocks Pty Ltd
- Groovin The Moo Lismore – Fuzzy Operations Pty Ltd
- Laneway Festival – ST JEROME’S LANEWAY PTY LTD
- Spilt Milk – Kicks Entertainment
Publicly Voted Awards
Best Video
- Never The Same – BOY SODA, Adam Saunders [Warner Music Australia]
- RUNNING LOW ft. Pardyalone – Baker Boy, Aurie Indianna & Jordan Ruyi Blanch [Baker Boy Music Pty Ltd / Island Records Australia]
- BACKSTREETS – Miss Kaninna, Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore [Soul Has No Tempo / AWAL Recordings]
- My Baby’s Place – DMA’S, Cole Surrey [Wonderlick Recording Company / Sony Music]
- CRUISING TO SELF SOOTHE – Ecca Vandal, Richie Buxton [Loma Vista Recordings / Concord]
- Stampede – Genesis Owusu, Isaac Brown [Ourness / Believe]
- One More – James Johnston, Jared Hinz [Warner Music Australia]
- Every Single Weekend – The Avalanches, Jonathan Zawada [Modular / EMI Music Australia]
- Addicted to Bass – Dom Dolla, Kyle Caulfield & Charles Buxton-Leslie [TMRW Music]
- Bed On Fire – G Flip, Tas Wilson [AWAL Recordings]
Best Australian Live Act presented by Destination NSW
- Baker Boy – DJANDJAY TOUR [Handsome Tours]
- BOY SODA – Lil Obsession Tour [Select Music]
- Dom Dolla – Dom Dolla Australian Tour 2025 [Untitled & TEG Live Presents]
- G Flip – Dream Ride Tour – Australia 2026
- Gang Of Youths – Various
- Genesis Owusu – Red Star Wu’s Pirate Radio Tour [Frontier Touring]
- Hilltop Hoods – Never Coming Home Tour [TEG Live & Blue Max Music]
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Phantom Island Australian Tour
- Ninajirachi – DARK CRYSTAL V [Laneway Presents & TEG Live]
- Paul Kelly – Australian Tour 2025 [Frontier Touring]
Song of the Year
- FISHER – Blackberries [etcetc Music Pty Ltd]
- G Flip – Bed on Fire [AWAL Recordings]
- Keli Holiday – Dancing2 [GROUP SPEED]
- Lithe – Cannonball [10K / ADA]
- Ocean Alley – Love Balloon [Independent / Community Music]
- Royel Otis – car [Ourness / Capitol Records]
- Sonny Fodera – Think About Us [Solotoko / ADA]
- Tame Impala – Dracula [Columbia Records / Sony Music]
- The Kid LAROI – A COLD PLAY [Columbia Records / Sony Music]
- Vance Joy – Divine Feelings [Mushroom Music]
Most Popular International Artist
- BTS – ARIRANG [Virgin Music Group / Geffen]
- Ed Sheeran – Play [Atlantic Records / Warner Music Australasia]
- Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally [Columbia / Sony Music]
- Morgan Wallen – I’m The Problem [Universal Music International / Universal Music Australia]
- Noah Kahan – The Great Divide [Universal Music International / Universal Music Australia]
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving [Universal Music International / Universal Music Australia]
- Olivia Rodrigo – you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love [Geffen / Universal Music Australia]
- Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend [Island Records / Universal Music Australia]
- sombr – I Barely Know Her [Warner Records / Warner Music Australasia]
- Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl [Republic Records / Universal Music Australia]
Artisan Awards
Best Cover Art
- Aurie Indianna & Sulaiman Enayatzada for Baker Boy – Djandjay [Baker Boy Music Pty Ltd / Island Records Australia]
- Connor Dewhurst for Amy Shark – soft pop [Wonderlick Recording Company / Sony Music]
- Ecca Vandal, Kathryn Vinella, Sean McDonald for Ecca Vandal – Looking For People to Unfollow [Loma Vista Recordings / Concord]
- Kofi Owusu-Ansah, Isaac Brown, Gina Wagstaffe for Genesis Owusu – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE [Ourness / Believe]
- Miriam David and Pat Fox for Matt Corby – Tragic Magic [Island Records Australia / Universal Music Australia]
Engineer – Best Engineered Release
- Dom Dolla for Dom Dolla – Don’t Worry Baby [Good Fortune Records]
- Kevin Parker for Tame Impala – Deadbeat [Columbia Records / Sony Music]
- Wave Racer for 2charm – Star Scum City [STAR SCUM RECORDS]
- Styalz Fuego for Troye Sivan – She’s The Best [EMI Music Australia]
- Tony Buchen for DOBBY – MARSHMELLOW [ABC Music / The Orchard]
Producer – Best Produced Release
- Dann Hume / Andrew Klippel for Genesis Owusu – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE [Ourness / Believe]
- Kevin Parker for Tame Impala – Deadbeat [Columbia Records / Sony Music]
- Ninajirachi for 2charm – Star Scum City [STAR SCUM RECORDS]
- Ninajirachi / Porter Robinson for Ninajirachi – WannaCry [NLV RECORDS]
- Styalz Fuego for Troye Sivan – She’s The Best [EMI Music Australia]
Fine Arts Awards
Best Classical Album
- Jayson Gillham – Chopin Etudes [ABC Classic / The Orchard]
- Richard Tognetti – Australian Chamber Orchestra – Beethoven & Brahms Concertos for Violin and Orchestra [ABC Classic / The Orchard]
- Simone Young & Sydney Symphony Orchestra – Mahler: Symphony No. 3 [Deutsche Grammophon Australia / Universal Music Australia]
- Tamara-Anna Cislowska – Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra – Johannes Fritzsch – Elena Kats-Chernin: Ancient Letters [ABC Classic / The Orchard]
- William Barton – Omega Ensemble – Gift – Our Breath of Life [ABC Classic / The Orchard]
Best Jazz Album
- Donny Benét – Il Basso [Donnyland Records / The Orchard]
- Hilary Geddes – Redleaf [Earshift Music]
- Lauren Tsamouras & Tom Avegenicos – For Judy [ABC Jazz / The Orchard]
- Ten Part Invention – Time Is moved [ABC Jazz / The Orchard]
- The Vampires – Skydancer [Earshift / The Planet Company]
Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theatre Cast Album
- Ack Kinmonth – The Pout Pout Fish (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Ack Music]
- Amanda Brown – Deadloch Season 1 [Amazon Content Services under exclusive licence to Strange Loops Recordings]
- Brian Cachia – Beast (Original Motion Picture Score) [BCMuse Studios / CDBaby]
- Caitlin Yeo – Every Little Thing (Official Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Strange Loops]
- Francois Tetaz – My Brilliant Career [Netflix]
Best World Music Album
- Melbourne Ska Orchestra – Monte Loco Rides Again [ABC Music / The Orchard]
- Mo’Ju, Nicholas Buc and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Double J Live at the Wireless – Hamer Hall, Melbourne 2023 [ABC Music / The Orchard]
- Not Drowning, Waving – Malira [ORiGiN Recordings / ADA]
- Tenzin Choegyal & Philip Glass – Be The Sky [Orange Mountain Music]
- The Cat Empire – Live At Sydney Opera House [BMG]
Our Soundtrack Our Ads
Best Use of an Australian Recording in an Advertisement
- Fox Sports Australia Finals Footy – Fox Sports Australia, 3%, Fred Leone, Scribe
- Paramount+: All Fired Up – AFC Women’s Asian Cup – Hello, G Flip
- Tourism WA: Walking On A Dream – Tourism WA, Empire of the Sun, West Australian Symphony Orchestra & Billy-Jo Shoveller
- Toyota: Nice to Know it could.- THE HERO CORPORATION, Amyl and The Sniffers
- Uber Eats: The Man LAROI – Special, The Kid LAROI
