The Icelandic Music Awards celebrated the best of the country’s music scene on March 12, with 26 awards handed out, alongside the prestigious honorary award and the title of Brightest Hope in Icelandic music, reports Vísir. Among the unexpected guests was British-Icelandic music icon Damon Albarn, who made a surprise appearance on stage.
Other performers on the night included Rebekka Blöndal, Múr, Sif Margrét Tulinius, Kaktus Einarsson, Bríet, and Nýdönsk.
The Honorary Award went to music publisher Steinar Berg Ísleifsson, recognised for his outstanding contributions to Icelandic music. Organisers noted that his influence can be seen in many of the most significant works in the country’s popular music history. Meanwhile, Múr, who have been making waves in the industry, were named Brightest Hope in Icelandic music.
The winners of the 2025 Icelandic Music Awards:
Artists of the Year
- Jazz – Óskar Guðjónsson
- Other Music – Magnús Jóhann Ragnarsson
- Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop & Electronic – Una Torfa
- Classical & Contemporary – Víkingur Heiðar Ólafsson
Music Video of the Year
“1000 Orð” (Short Film) – Erlendur Sveinsson
Lyrics of the Year
“Óperan Hundrað Þúsund” – Kristín Eiríksdóttir
Producer of the Year
“Bára Gísladóttir: Orchestral Works” – Ragnheiður Jónsdóttir, Daniel Shores
Most Popular Music of the Year (in partnership with RÚV & Rás 2)
Laufey
Vocal Performance of the Year
- Classical & Contemporary – Ólafur Kjartan Sigurðarson
- Jazz – Marína Ósk Þórólfsdóttir
- Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop & Electronic – Magni Ásgeirsson
Songs & Compositions of the Year
- Hip-Hop & Electronic – “Monní” – Aron Can
- Other Music – “Mona Lisa” – Markéta Irglová
- Jazz – “Visan” – Ingi Bjarni
- Rock – “Í Draumalandinu” – Spacestation
- Classical & Contemporary – “Concerto No. 2 for Orchestra” – Snorri Sigfús Birgisson
- Pop Song of the Year – “Fullkomið Farartæki” – Nýdönsk
Albums of the Year
- Film & Theatre Music – Innocence – Snorri Hallgrímsson
- Jazz – Öræfi – Kjartan Valdemarsson, Stórsveit Reykjavíkur
- Hip-Hop & Electronic – 1000 Orð – Bríet & Birnir
- Other Music – Wandering Beings – Guðmundur Pétursson
- Rock – allt sem hefur gerst – Supersport!
- Classical & Contemporary – De Lumine – Sif Margrét Tulinius
- Pop – Miss Flower – Emiliana Torrini
Best Music Artwork
Lobster Coda – Shrey Kathuria, Hildur Erna Villiblóm
Earlier this year, the 2025 Grapevine Music Awards were held. Check out the full list of winners here.
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