Queensland Music Awards Enters Final Stage Of Self-Nominating

There are just 10 days left for artists, venues, and festivals to self-nominate for the 2026 Queensland Music Awards (QMAs). As we approach the pointy end of voting, Troy Cassar-Daley has shared a proud Dad moment about his experience with the awards.

“The Queensland Music Awards, as my home state's awards, have always held a special place in my heart,” the Australian country music icon said. “They shine a light on the incredible talent who are sharing Queensland's stories, and every year they seem to grow in significance."

The singer, a critically acclaimed star and QMA Album of the Year winner, six-time ARIA Award winner, and 45-time Golden Guitar winner, admitted that while taking home a QMA is nice, the best moments he’s had at the ceremonies involve sharing the stage and celebrating his daughter, Jem Cassar-Daley.

“Jem and I performed together at the awards ceremony in 2022 - the first year she took home the Indigenous Award,” he said. “It was so special, and I didn't think I could be prouder, but then she took home Song of the Year a few years later and the Indigenous and Pop Awards again in another year.”

Discussing the QMAs’ impact on the local music scene, he continued, “These awards not only celebrate Queensland's artists, they help us nurture the next generation - they are a true celebration of Queensland music, culture and community, and I’m honoured to be part of their story. I absolutely encourage all Queensland musicians to apply.”

Applications for the 2026 awards close on Monday, 1 December, and there will be no extensions. Any artist who identifies as a Queenslander – someone who currently resides in Queensland, spends a minimum of nine months living in the state, or started the development of their career in Queensland and continues to publicly identify and be promoted as a Queensland artist – can apply.

The QMAs have honoured artists such as Amy Shark, Keith Urban, The Veronicas, Sheppard, and many others. For further information on self-nominating for the Queensland Music Awards, head to the QMusic website.

The 2026 QMAs will take place in April 2026, with the exact date to be announced. QMusic CEO Kris Stewart said, “The QMAs are about celebrating the best of Queensland’s Music. We want to hear music from every corner of our incredible state, from the Cape to the Condamine.”

2026 QMA Award Categories:

Self-Nominating Award Categories (Nominations Open 30 Oct – 1 Dec 2025)
 Contemporary Classical; Blues & Roots; Children's Music; Country; Electronic; Folk; Heavy; Hip Hop; Jazz; Music for Screen; Music Video of the Year Award (Filmmakers only); Pop; Rock; Soul/Funk/R'n'B; World Award.

Venue & Festival Awards (Nominations Open 30 Oct – 1 Dec 2025)
Metro Venue of the Year (People’s Choice Award); Regional Venue of the Year (People’s Choice Award); Festival of the Year (People’s Choice Award); Accessible and Inclusive Venue of the Year.

Major Awards
Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Highest Selling Single, Highest Selling Album, Export Achievement Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Industry Excellence Awards
Breakthrough Artist of the Year; Indigenous Artist of the Year Award; Regional Artist of the Year Award; Producer of the Year Award (NEW self-nominating award - producers only)