Music Moves Europe Awards 2026 Announce Winners Celebrating Europe’s Rising Music Talent

The winners of the Music Moves Europe (MME) Awards 2026, the European Union’s prize for popular and contemporary music supported by the EU’s Creative Europe programme, were announced on 15 January at the Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) festival in the Netherlands.

Each year, an international jury selects artists who stand out among 15 nominees from across Europe. In addition to the jury awards, music fans worldwide were invited to vote online for their favourite artist in the Public Choice category.

Spanish artist Lia Kali was the biggest winner of the night, receiving both the Grand Jury Music Moves Europe Award 2026 and the MME Public Choice Award.

The other winners of the 2026 MME Awards are:

• Camille Yembe (Belgium)

• Carpetman (Ukraine)

• Della (Cyprus)

• Sarah Julia (Netherlands)

• Sofie Royer (Austria)

According to the Music Moves Europe Awards 2026 website, Carpetman is a young Ukrainian singer known for performing behind a mask made of carpet. Inspired by artists such as Kaleo, Hippie Sabotage, Kygo, Elderbrook and Jeremy Soul, the Carpetman project began in mid-2023. Since then, the artist has written, performed and produced multiple singles, released the EP Struggling By Myself, filmed music videos, played dozens of concerts, and took part in Ukraine’s national selection for Eurovision 2024.

Each of the five MME Award winners receives €10,000. The Grand Jury Award winner receives an additional €10,000, along with a €5,000 green touring voucher. The Public Choice Award winner also receives a €5,000 prize.

Beyond the financial awards, all 15 nominees are invited to take part in an education programme designed to provide insights into the music industry and offer opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. Nominees also perform at the ESNS festival, and in September 2026, audiences will be able to see them live at the Reeperbahn Festival, a co-organiser of the MME Awards.