Nominees for the 2026 International Dance Music Awards: Complete List

Exciting Nominees Announced for the 2026 International Dance Music Awards

The dance music scene is buzzing with excitement as the nominees for the 2026 International Dance Music Awards (IDMAs) have officially been unveiled. Known for celebrating excellence in dance and electronic music, the IDMAs cover a wide array of categories that span artists, genres, events, and media platforms.

Celebrated Artists in the Spotlight

Among the most notable nominations is the Artist of the Year category. Headlining this prestigious list are:

• Chris Lake
• Fred again..
• John Summit
• Mau P
• Sara Landry

These talented individuals have made significant strides in the industry, each contributing unique sounds and unforgettable tracks to the dance music community. In addition, the Breakthrough Artist of the Year category shines a light on emerging talent, with nominees including:

• Chloé Caillet
• Jackie Hollander
• Josh Baker
• Kettama
• Ki/Ki

These artists are making their mark and are poised to continue influencing the dance music landscape.

Recognizing Excellence in Music Media

An intriguing addition to this year’s nominations is the Best Music Media Resource category. Here, IDMAs recognizes industry platforms that play crucial roles in promoting dance music. Some of the key nominees include:

• 1001Tracklists
• Beatportal
• DJ Mag
• Mixmag
• Resident Advisor
• Billboard Dance

This recognition highlights the importance of media in shaping the perception and reach of the dance music genre, ensuring that fans remain connected to the latest trends and developments in the scene.

How Voting Works for IDMAs

Voting for the IDMAs is a collective effort led by the newly formed IDMA Advisory Board. This board comprises industry experts who evaluate nominees based on extensive research and observation. The winners are set to be announced during a special reception hosted by IDMA in collaboration with Bridges For Music, a nonprofit that emphasizes the importance of music education. This event will take place on March 26, coinciding with the Winter Music Conference, making it accessible to all conference attendees.

A Legacy of Recognition

The IDMAs hold a rich history, having been established in 1985 during the early years of the Winter Music Conference. Over the decades, IDMAs have been one of the pioneering awards dedicated specifically to recognizing excellence in dance and electronic music, reinforcing the genre’s cultural significance and the thriving ecosystem of artists, labels, festivals, and media.

Categories and Nominee Lists

Artist of the Year:

• Chris Lake
• Fred again..
• John Summit
• Mau P
• Sara Landry

Breakthrough Artist of the Year:

• Chloé Caillet
• Jackie Hollander
• Josh Baker
• Kettama
• Ki/Ki

Best Album:

• Charlotte de Witte – Charlotte de Witte
• Chris Lake – Chemistry
• Ninajirachi – I Love My Computer
• Sammy Virji – Same Day Cleaning
• Skrillex – FCK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3

Best Song (Dance):

• Anyma feat. Ellie Goulding – “Hypnotized”
• Chris Lake & Amber Mark – “In My Head”
• Disco Lines & Tinashe – “No Broke Boys”
• Fred again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax – “Victory Lap”
• Sammy Virji – “I Guess We’re Not The Same”

Best Song (Electronic):

• Amelie Lens & Charlotte de Witte – “One Mind”
• Barry Can’t Swim – “About To Begin”
• Four Tet – “Into Dust”
• Mau P – “Like I Like It”
• Skrillex – “Voltage”
• Soulwax – “All Systems Are Lying”

Best Remix:

• Calvin Harris – “I’m Not Alone (MPH Remix)”
• Chrystal – “The Days (Notion Remix)”
• Cloonee, Young M.A, InntRaw – “Stephanie (HNTR Remix)”
• Empire Of The Sun – “Walking On A Dream (BLOND:ISH Extended Remix)”
• The Chemical Brothers – “Galvanize (Chris Lake Extended Mix)”

Best Label:

• Anjunabeats
• Black Book
• Defected
• Drumcode
• Experts Only
• Insomniac
• Toolroom

Best Festival/Event:

• Burning Man (U.S.)
• Coachella (U.S.)
• Creamfields (U.K.)
• Dekmantel (Netherlands)
• EDC Las Vegas (U.S.)
• Tomorrowland (Belgium)
• Ultra Music Festival (U.S.)

Best Club:

• Amnesia (Ibiza)
• Drumsheds (UK)
• Echostage (D.C.)
• Hï (Ibiza)
• Space (Miami)
• UNVRS (Ibiza)
• Ushuaïa (Ibiza)

Best Radio Show/Podcast:

• A State of Trance (Armin van Buuren)
• BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix
• CLUBLIFE (Tiësto)
• Drumcode Radio Live (Adam Beyer)
• Group Therapy Radio (Above & Beyond)
• Heldeep Radio (Oliver Heldens)
• Toolroom Radio

Music Media Resource:

• 1001Tracklists
• Beatportal
• Billboard Dance
• DJ Lovers Club
• DJ Mag
• Mixmag
• Resident Advisor

Honoring Various Music Styles

The IDMAs also celebrate niche genres and styles within the electronic music sphere, with specific categories dedicated to:

Dance Artist of the Year:

• Chris Lake
• Dom Dolla
• John Summit
• Mau P
• Oliver Heldens

Techno Artist of the Year:

• Amelie Lens
• Charlotte de Witte
• Eli Brown
• Indira Paganotto
• Sara Landry

House Artist of the Year:

• Chloé Caillet
• Franky Rizardo
• Hot Since 82
• Jonas Blue
• Max Dean

Melodic House/Techno Artist of the Year:

• Anyma
• Cassian
• Layton Giordani
• Miss Monique
• RÜFÜS DU SOL

…

The list continues across various categories, ensuring that every facet of the vast electronic music genre is represented.

As the countdown to the awards approaches, the anticipation grows for who will take home the coveted awards, further solidifying their influence in the ever-evolving world of dance music.