Tonight's Queensland Music Awards heralded a bright new era in more ways than one for the state’s peak music body.
Queensland's music royalty descended on Miami Marketta on the Gold Coast celebrating the state's brightest artists, iconic institutions and songs – the first time the event has been staged outside the state's capital. In attendance was the newly-minted interim CEO, Kristy Ellis.
Ball Park Music marked history, claiming both Album of the Year and Highest Selling Album in a landmark double that cemented their place among Queensland's most beloved musicians.
Jem Cassar-Daley took home the Pop Award as well as the coveted Song of the Year award for Kiss Me Like You're Leaving – marking the young star’s second time taking out the honour.
Jem Cassar-Daley
Fresh from being inducted into the Valley Walk of Fame, last year's Song of the Year winner Young Franco claimed the Electronic Award and continues his international tour following the win.
Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring decades of unwavering dedication to Queensland music, its artists and the culture that surrounds them.
Hollow Coves was named Export Artist of the Year, recognised for their growing international profile and the reach Queensland music continues to build beyond Australian shores.
Australian tech-house powerhouse FISHER was awarded Highest Selling Single for Stay, recognising his global reputation and unwavering commitment to the dancefloor.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek congratulated the exceptional winners and nominees of the 2026 Queensland Music Awards, acknowledging their dedication, talent and creativity.
“From the success of Ball Park Music and Jem Cassar-Daley to the international achievements of Hollow Coves, tonight’s winners and nominees highlight the strength and diversity of Queensland’s contemporary music industry,” Minister Langbroek said.
Four fellowship award winners supported by the Queensland Government were announced at the Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry event on Wednesday 25 March 2026.
In the People's Choice Awards, Maleny Music Festival was named Festival of the Year, The Tivoli took Metro Venue of the Year and Miami Marketta, the night's own host venue, was voted Regional Venue of the Year.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the City was proud to welcome Queensland's music community to one of its most iconic venues, with Miami Marketta scooping a top award.
"We're serious about our creative enterprise and understand the importance of supporting events such as the QMAs. We're not just talking about it, we're investing in our cultural capital with new venues such as the Gold Coast Music Hall under construction and the Gold Coast Arena in the pipeline."
2026 Queensland Music Award Winners
Category Award Winners
• Blues/Roots - Lontano, Way Too Long
• Children's Music - Joff Bush, I Don't Have a Chimney (ft. Emma Dean)
• Contemporary Classical - Abigail Lui & Camerata, Memory in the Distant Hills
• Country - Tori Darke, Remember Me Like That
• Electronic - Young Franco, Lose Control
• Folk - The Dreggs, We Don't Talk
• Heavy - Upsetter, Best Years of My Life
• Hip Hop - Say True God?, COUNT US IN
• Jazz - Dami Im, Bubble
• Music for Screen - Georgia D'Arcy, Creek
• Music Video of the Year - Loki Liddle & Joshua Tate, Breaking Into Heaven – Selve
• Pop - Jem Cassar-Daley, Kiss Me Like You're Leaving
• Rock - DZ Deathrays, Skyline
• Soul/Funk/RnB - BADASSMUTHA, BUB
• World Award - Tenzin Choegyal, Snow Flower
Young Franco
People's Choice Awards
• Festival of the Year - Maleny Music Festival
• Metro Venue of the Year -The Tivoli
• Regional Venue of the Year - Miami Marketta
Major Awards
• Album of the Year - Ball Park Music
• Highest Selling Album - Ball Park Music
• Highest Selling Single - Fisher, Stay
• Export Artist - Hollow Coves
• Song of the Year - Jem Cassar-Daley, Kiss Me Like You're Leaving
• Lifetime Achievement - 4ZZZ
Industry Excellence
• Accessible & Inclusive Venue - Den Devine
• Breakthrough Artist - Odd Mob
• Indigenous Artist of the Year - JUNGAJI
• Producer of the Year - Mallrat
• Regional Artist of the Year - Djawarray
Scholarships, Fellowship and Award
• Billy Thorpe Scholarship - Frank and Louis
• Carol Lloyd Awards - Paulina
• Dennis Mop Conlon Scholarship - Dubbzone
• Grant McLennan Fellowship - Banff
Paulina
