QUEENSLAND SOUND TAKES CENTRE STAGE
QMAs 2026 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Tickets on sale Thursday, 12 March 2026
Household names and rising voices are among the 80 finalists across 20 categories who will contest the 2026 Queensland Music Awards (QMAs) hosted by QMusic.
Judged by a panel of over 100 Australian and international music industry professionals, the QMAs celebrate excellence across pop, country, electronic, folk, hip hop, jazz, rock, screen composition, visual storytelling and more.
Among the 2026 finalists are some of Queensland’s most recognisable artists including the acclaimed Meg Washington, indie-pop favourites The Jungle Giants and globally recognised producer Young Franco.
Country talent shines among this year’s finalists with Amy Sheppard, Jake Whittaker, Tori Darke and Wade Forster, while the pop and folk categories feature scene legends and singer-songwriters Jem Cassar-Daley, The Dreggs and Ziggy Alberts.
Taking place on Wednesday, 22 April, the highly anticipated QMAs will be hosted at the Miami Marketta, Gold Coast – marking the first time the awards have been hosted outside of Brisbane.
QMusic CEO, Kris Stewart said hosting the 2026 QMAs at Miami Marketta reflects QMusic’s ongoing commitment to music for all Queenslanders.
“This year, the QMAs returns to its roots. We're putting the art and artists at the centre by returning to an informal “music-first” show that prioritises the important things: music and mates” Stewart said.
“As the industry evolves, it can be easy to get lost in the grandness of the awards ecosystem and lose site of the rock ‘n roll attitude that bought us here. We're excited to invite our incredible 2026 finalists to celebrate with us at our brand-new location as we connect and recognise the people who make this state such a powerful force in global music.”
Presented by QMusic and supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, four annual QMA awards celebrate Queensland artists, while acknowledging the contributions of music legends: Billy Thorpe, Carol Lloyd, Dennis ‘Mop’ Conlon and Grant McLennan.
Recipients share in $60,000 across these four scholarships and awards, which are targeted to Queensland artists at pivotal stages of their careers.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek MP said nurturing the careers of Queensland’s emerging and established music creators is essential to building and sustaining the state’s live music industry.
“The Crisafulli Government proudly supports these awards and scholarships honouring four music icons who kickstarted their extraordinary careers in Queensland.
“This year’s exceptional finalists each bring their own stories and artistry to Queensland’s vibrant art scene, enriching the cultural life of communities across the state.”
Scholarship winners will be announced at the Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry event on Wednesday 25 March 2026.
Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate is excited to welcome this iconic celebration to his backyard.
“Why wouldn’t the Queensland Music Awards be hosted in Australia’s very own Hollywood? Honestly, it’s a match made in heaven or should I say – Miami.”
“We’re investing in live music and entertainment in a way no other city in the country is, so it’s nice to have that recognised by being the first location outside of Brisbane to host Queensland’s music industry’s night of nights,” said Tate.
“This shows our city is fast becoming a powerhouse for music, screen, creative talent and enterprise”
Winners will be announced at the 2026 QMAs on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. Tickets for the awards will go on sale to the public on Thursday, 12 April.
About Queensland Music Awards
The Queensland Music Awards (QMAs) is an annual state-wide search for Queensland’s best new music. With over 13,800 songs submitted since its inception in 2006 (then known as ‘QSong’), the QMAs are judged by more than 100 top music industry professionals from all over the country, giving finalists and winners the opportunity to catapult their careers into national significance. The QMAs have spotlighted and unearthed a pantheon of Queensland music greats, including Kate Miller-Heidke, Bernard Fanning, Amy Shark, Sheppard, Violent Soho and The Kite String Tangle. They’ve also recognised the chart-topping success of artists such as Keith Urban and The Veronicas and the lifelong contributions of the Bee Gees, Carol Lloyd, Ed Kuepper and Grant McLennan.
About QMusic
QMusic is Queensland’s music industry development association. QMusic is a non-for-profit whose work is critical to the success of Queensland’s contemporary music economy. It is the only significant and established charity organisation in Queensland dedicated to delivering sector development and major music events including the Queensland Music Awards and BIGSOUND to stimulate and grow the state’s music sector.
About Miami Marketta
Miami Marketta is the Gold Coast's original creative precinct, located in the cultural heart of Miami. A dynamic, free-entry venue open Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm, Marketta brings together street food, live music, and creative culture in one vibrant, eclectic space. Alongside its regular programming, Miami Marketta hosts major ticketed events and productions - making it one of the region's most exciting and versatile entertainment destinations. miamimarketta.com
The 2026 Queensland Music Awards is produced by QMusic.
QMusic is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Organisations Fund 2026-2029, and administers the Grant McLennan Fellowship, the Billy Thorpe Scholarship, the Carol Lloyd Award and the Dennis ‘Mop’ Conlon Scholarship on Arts Queensland’s behalf.
QMusic acknowledges the many Traditional Custodian groups across what is now referred to as Queensland. We pay our respect to all elders: past and present. As a peak body, we also acknowledge the important role that music has played and continues to play on these lands since the very first sunrise.
