2026 Winners

September 20, 2026 - Calgary, AB - Calgary’s favourite celebration of local music excellence, the YYC Music Awards, brought together performers and industry professionals from across genres for a spectacular one-night celebration of all things music at the Grey Eagle Event Centre. Attendees were treated to an incredible lineup of live performances, awards presented by industry leaders, and unforgettable moments, all hosted by the incomparable Priscilla Cherry. From emerging talent to established stars, the event showcased the remarkable depth, talent, and diversity that define Calgary’s music community.

With a diverse mix of performances and personalities, the YYC Music Awards presented by Craig Senyk Initiatives, recognizes the best of Calgary’s music industry, honouring Calgary and area musicians and industry leaders. For its 11th anniversary, the awards show saw a record 18 first-time winners, out of 29 categories, including Bijaan who won for Music Video of the Year, FOXX Worthee who won Country Recording of the Year, and Ranchman’s Rising Star winner, Jaiden Riley who won Solo Artist of the Year. The YYCMAs also celebrated their first-ever tie, with Cyril Tenjohn and the Honky Cats and Per Velum sharing the Live Performer of the Year award, a category which is determined by public vote.

The evening showcased award presenters from the music community, and beyond, including Mayor Jeromy Farkas, X92.9’s Logan Middleton, Alberta’s Music Commissioner Jennifer Venance, Vic Close of the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and Shelley Zucht-Shorter of Tourism Calgary. Powerful performances from first time nominees Gutter King, Bijaan, Chills, and Jaiden Riley lit up the Grey Eagle complemented by performances from returning nominees Micah Sage, FOXX Worthee, Jarred Nicklen, and Gremlyn. The celebration capped off with a performance by Approaching Jupiter for the official afterparty.

The YYC Music Awards Board of Directors would like to congratulate the 2026 winners and nominees. Thank you to all the sponsors, especially our Title Sponsor, Craig Senyk Initiatives, the voting committee from across the country, our guest presenters, volunteers and all of those that have made this event possible over the past 11 years. And to the managers, promoters, media, live music venues, recording studios and other industry that keep the music in our city playing – it’s no wonder Calgary is making waves as a recognized music city.

DIRECTORS | ORGANIZERS
Stephanie Hutchinson – President/Director, Programming
Shannon Ambrose – Vice President/Director PR & Media
Sarah Fiedler – Secretary/Director, Artist Relations
Alberta Davis – Director, Sponsorship and Adjudication
Baylee White – Director, Marketing
Kym Butler – Director, Production
Shamus Neeson – Director, Partnerships