This year, we are proud to partner with the Lexington Music Awards for the 2026 awards season! The Lexington Music Awards (LMAs) helps us celebrate the incredible talent, creativity, and passion that make the Kentucky music scene truly shine. Each year, we come together to recognize the artists, bands, venues, and professionals who bring music to life across our community.
Now’s your chance to help us spotlight the best of Central KY and Beyond!
Industry Awards
- Music Venue of the Year
- Music Store of the Year
- Music Company of the Year – this award currently serves for any music professionals that are not classified in another category. This includes but not limited to: photographers, videographers, choreographers + more).
- Studio/Engineer of the Year
- Sound Tech of the Year
- Radio DJ of the Year
- Instrument Repair of the Year
- Jay Flippin Music Educator of the Year
Click on each category to nominate.
Performance Awards
- Female Vocalist of the Year
- Male Vocalist of the Year
- Drummer/Percussionist of the Year
- Ben Lacy Guitar Excellence Award
- Bassist of the Year
- Keyboardist of the Year
- Brass/Wind Player of the Year
- Strings Player of the Year
Click on each category to nominate.
Style Awards
- Americana/Folk Act of the Year
- Bluegrass Act of the Year
- TeeDee Young Blues Excellence Award
- Classical Act of the Year
- Country Act of the Year
- Funk/R&B/Reggae Act of the Year
- Hip-Hop/Rap Act of the Year
- Jazz/Latin/Big Band/World Act of the Year
- Metal Act of the Year
- Pop Act of the Year
- Punk Act of the Year
- Rock Act of the Year
- Singer-Songwriter Act of the Year
- Cover/Variety Act of the Year (cannot be nominated in any other style category)
Click on each category to nominate.
Special Awards
- Song of the Year – songs nominated must be released between the period of July 1, 2024 – November 1, 2025
- Album of the Year – albums nominated must be released between the period of July 1, 2024 – November 1, 2025
- Community Service – Honors an individual or organization whose work strengthens the Kentucky music community through service, support, and dedication
- Lifetime Achievement (not nominated or voted on by the public)
Click on each category to nominate.
The top 6 nominations in each category will move on to the voting stage.