2026 APRA Music Awards

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Information on how to enter and prizes forms part of these conditions of entry. Entry into the 2026 Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year Promotion is deemed to be an acceptance of these conditions of entry.
   
    
2. Promotion commences Thursday 13 November 2025 and entries close at midday AEDT on Thursday 22 January 2026.
   
    
3. You need to be an APRA AMCOS member currently living in Australia to vote. Or you can be an APRA AMCOS member living overseas with Australian citizenship.
   
    
4. Employees (and their immediate families) of the Promoter, or agencies, suppliers or companies associated with this Promotion, who are not eligible APRA AMCOS members, are ineligible to enter.
   
    
5. For a chance to win, eligible APRA AMCOS members must vote for the Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year by logging onto the secure Members’ section of the APRA AMCOS website at www.apraamcos.com.au - you will be prompted to vote once logged in.
   
    
6. Limit of one entry per eligible APRA AMCOS member.
   
    
7. All valid entries received during the Promotion period will be placed in the draws to be conducted at 16 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW. The first valid entry drawn on Thursday 27 November 2025 will win $1,000 AUD. The second valid entry drawn on Thursday 8 January 2026 will win $1,000 AUD. The third valid entry drawn on Thursday 22 January 2026 will win $2,000 AUD, 2 tickets to the 2026 APRA Music Awards and flights and accommodation to the ceremony in Sydney to the total cost of $1,000 AUD. Total prize value is $5,000.
   
    
8. Actual delivery date and method of prize is to be advised and may not be presented to the winner at time of announcement. Prize will be awarded to winners within 30 days of draw.
   
    
9. The winners will be notified by phone or email on Friday 28 November 2025 (prize 1), Friday 9 January 2026 (prize 2), and Friday 23 January 2026 (prize 3).
   
    
10. The Promoter may, subject to the Lottery and Gaming Regulations 2008 (SA), conduct such further draws as are necessary to dispose of an unclaimed prize. Redraws will take place on: 10:00am AEDT on Thursday 4 December 2025 (prize 1), 10:00am AEDT on Thursday 15 January 2026 (prize 2), and 10:00am AEDT on Thursday 29 January 2026 (prize 3). All redraws to be held at APRA AMCOS, 16/20 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW 2007.
    
     
11. The prizes cannot be transferred or exchanged and the Promoter retains the right to substitute the prize with a prize of equal or greater value. The winner is responsible for any tax liability arising as a result of accepting the prize.
    
     
12. The Promoter’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. The Promoter and its associated agencies or companies accept no responsibility for lost, late, stolen, damaged or misdirected entries. The Promoter reserves the right to authenticate entries and to disqualify any entrant for tampering with the entry process.
    
     
13. If the Promotion is not capable of proceeding as planned, the Promoter reserves the right to modify the terms of the Promotion, including the prize and these conditions of entry subject to state legislation.
    
     
14. To the extent permitted by law, the Promoter will not be liable for any damage, loss, cost or expense (including indirect or consequential) which is suffered by entrants or for any personal injury suffered as a result of the winner receiving or using the prize.
    
     
15. Prize claims and entries become the property of the Promoter. Use of entrants’ personal information is governed by the APRA AMCOS privacy policy. The Promoter may disclose entrants’ personal information to third parties that assist the Promoter with its promotional activities. Entrants may, upon request to the Promoter, access and correct personal information held by the Promoter.
    
     
16. The Promoter is Australasian Performing Right Association Limited ABN 42 000 016 099, 16 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW 2007. Tel: 02 9935 7900.

Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year

Nominees and subsequent winners for the Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year are determined by votes from APRA members. All APRA members who are currently living in Australia or are Australian citizens living overseas are eligible to vote. Votes are received electronically and tallied by APRA AMCOS.

Emerging Songwriter of the Year

Emerging Songwriter of the Year is assessed by an external judging panel, as appointed by APRA's Board of Writer and Publisher Directors, for an emerging songwriter or group of writers. The recipients’ work should reflect achievements in the previous year based on single and album releases, charts, awards and tours/supports; and the judging panel's assessment that the recipient has, in the past year, released songs of outstanding quality. All nominees/recipients must be a member of APRA. The final determination of this Award lies with the APRA Board.

An emerging songwriter or group of songwriters may be nominated for this award for a maximum of two consecutive years if the Committee determines that the nominee qualifies as an emerging artist in the year immediately following their first nomination.

Songwriter of the Year

Songwriter of the Year is assessed by an external judging panel, as appointed by APRA's Board of Writer and Publisher Directors, rewarding the songwriter or group of songwriters who have achieved the most impressive body of work in the previous year as reflected by single and album releases, charts, co-writes, awards and tours/supports; and the judging panel's assessment that the recipient has, in the past year, released songs of outstanding quality. A recipient may receive this award in consecutive years if their achievements are deemed worthy. All recipients must be a member of APRA. The final determination of this Award lies with the APRA Board.

Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music

Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music is decided by APRA's Board of Writer and Publisher Directors for an individual or group considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the Music industry over a number of years.

International Recognition Award

The International Recognition Award is determined by the APRA Board under the guidance of a Board-appointed independent Judging Panel. This award recognises a songwriter or group of songwriters who have achieved outstanding success in overseas territories, distinct from their level of commercial recognition in Australia. The Judging Panel will assess that the recipient has, in the past year, composed songs of outstanding quality, demonstrating exceptional skill in the craft of songwriting. The recipients’ work should reflect outstanding achievement in the previous year based on international single and album releases, awards, and tours/supports. Members can originally be from either Australia or New Zealand, now domiciled predominantly in an overseas territory for at least a 6-month (consecutive) period in the calendar year being acknowledged.

All nominees/recipients must be a member of APRA and will preclude any member who is being acknowledged in the current performance-based awards calculations as part of the APRA Music Awards. The final determination of this Award lies with the APRA Board.

Licensee of the Year Award

The Licensee of the Year Award, as decided by APRA's Board of Writer and Publisher Directors, is designed to reward licensee groups for good music citizenship. The recommended recipient is selected against the criteria of consistent compliance and demonstrated support of music such as the presentation of local content or innovative use of music.

THE FOLLOWING AWARDS ARE GIVEN BASED ON APRA'S STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

Most Performed Australian Work

Most Performed International Work

Most Performed Australian Work Overseas

Most Performed Alternative Work

List of works compiled from ARIA, AIR, Shazam, and the National Indigenous Music charts. This is based on all works charted and released in the relevant period.

Most Performed Blues & Roots Work

Call for Blues & Roots Release information is emailed to APRA's membership. Members are asked to submit eligible works via this online form for the relevant period.

A further list of works compiled from ARIA, AIR, & Shazam charts. This is based on all works charted and released in the relevant period.

Most Performed Country Work

List of works compiled from the Country Tracks Top 40 which is created from radio airplay of tracks released in Australia throughout the relevant period.

ARIA Top 20 Australian Country Albums chart is also used to cross reference with Country Tracks chart.

Most Performed Dance/Electronic Work

List of works compiled from ARIA Dance Singles, ARIA Dance Albums, AIR, Shazam and the National Indigenous Music charts. This is based on all works charted and released in the relevant period.

Most Performed Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

List of works compiled from a ARIA, AIR, Shazam, the National Indigenous Music charts along with other streaming sources. This is based on all works charted and released in the relevant period.

Most Performed Hip Hop/Rap Work

List of works compiled from ARIA Hip Hop / R&B, AIR, Shazam and the National Indigenous Music charts. This is based on all works charted and released in the relevant period.

Most Performed Pop Work

List of works compiled from ARIA, AIR, Shazam, the National Indigenous Music charts. This is based on all works charted and released in the relevant period.

Most Performed Rock Work

List of works compiled from ARIA, AIR, Shazam, the National Indigenous Music charts. This is based on all works charted and released in the relevant period.

Most Performed R&B/Soul Work

List of works compiled from ARIA Hip Hop / R&B, AIR, Shazam and the National Indigenous Music charts. This is based on all works charted and released in the relevant period.

THE AWARDS

1. 18 Awards are conferred

Twelve based on APRA's statistical analysis:

• Most Performed Alternative Work
• Most Performed Australian Work
• Most Performed Australian Work Overseas
• Most Performed Blues and Roots Work
• Most Performed Country Work
• Most Performed Dance Work
• Most Performed Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
• Most Performed Hip Hop/Rap Work
• Most Performed International Work
• Most Performed Pop Work
• Most Performed Rock Work
• Most Performed R&B/Soul Work

One based on voting by APRA members:

• Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year

Five given at the discretion of the APRA Board of Directors:

• Emerging Songwriter of the Year
• Songwriter of the Year
• International Recognition Award
• Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music
• Licensee of the Year

2. The Award is in the form of a trophy suitably inscribed.

 

ELIGIBILITY AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. For Most Performed Works (Excluding Most Performed International Work)

a) An APRA writer member (or members) must hold a combined minimum share of 20% in the work.

b) The work must have been released in a 15-month period. For Awards held in 2026, the eligible release date period will be 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2025.

c) Repeat nominations in Most Performed categories over consecutive years will be reviewed by the APRA Board of Directors (including Most Performed International Work, excluding Song of the Year).

d) Nominees and subsequent winners are determined by performance activity across broadcast, digital downloads, streaming and live revenue sources, as reflected by earnings, according to APRA's statistical analysis for the relevant 12-month period.

e) Genre categories are cross referenced with all available chart information, as well as iTunes categories, genres and sub genres.

f) A maximum of one nomination per songwriter applies to these categories. This will be subject to review if there is a duplicate songwriter in the Top 5 with different APRA member co-writers.

2. For Most Performed International Work nominations

a) The work must have been written principally by a member of a collecting society affiliated with APRA.

b) The work must have been released in a 15-month period. For Awards held in 2026, the eligible release date period will be 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2025.

3. Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year

Nominees and subsequent winners for the Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year are determined by votes from APRA members (view terms & conditions here). All APRA members who are currently living in Australia or are Australian citizens living overseas are eligible to vote. Votes are received via the member portal.

a) An APRA writer member must have co-written a minimum share of 20% in the work.

b) The work must have been released in the relevant 12-month period. For Awards held in 2026, the eligible release date period will be 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.

4. Emerging Songwriter of the Year

Emerging Songwriter of the Year is assessed by an external judging panel, as appointed by the APRA Board, for an emerging songwriter or group of writers. The recipients’ work should reflect achievements in the previous year based on single and album releases, charts, awards and tours/supports; and the judging panel's assessment that the recipient has, in the past year, released songs of outstanding quality. All recipients must be a member of APRA. The final determination of this Award lies with the APRA Board of Directors.

An emerging songwriter or group of songwriters may be nominated for this award for a maximum of two consecutive years if the Committee determines that the nominee qualifies as an emerging artist in the year immediately following their first nomination.

5. Songwriter of the Year

Songwriter of the Year is assessed by an external judging panel, as appointed by the APRA Board, rewarding the songwriter or group of songwriters who have achieved the most impressive body of work in the previous year as reflected by single and album releases, charts, awards and tours/supports; and the judging panel's assessment that the recipient has, in the past year, released songs of outstanding quality. A recipient may receive this award in consecutive years if their achievements are deemed worthy. All recipients must be a member of APRA. The final determination of this Award lies with the APRA Board of Directors.

6. Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music

Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music is decided by APRA's Board of Directors for an individual or group considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the music industry over a number of years.

7. International Recognition Award

The International Recognition Award is assessed by an external judging panel, as appointed by APRA's Board of Writer and Publisher Directors, based on international recognition for a songwriter or group of songwriters who are having remarkable success overseas. The recipients’ work should reflect achievements in the previous year based on international single and album releases, international charts, awards and tours/supports; and the Judging Panel's assessment that the recipient has, in the past year, composed songs of outstanding quality. All recipients must be a member of APRA. The final determination of this Award lies with the APRA Board.

The award differs from our existing performance-based awards and provides the Board with the flexibility to recognise those members that have achieved major success overseas but have only experienced low level chart success in Australia. Accordingly, the award would preclude any member who is being considered in the current performance-based awards criteria/calculations. This category should be inclusive of all genres honouring excellence and achievements within their given genre and field.

8. Licensee of the Year Award

The Licensee of the Year Award as decided by the APRA Board of Directors, is designed to reward licensee groups for good music citizenship. The recommended recipient is selected against the criteria of consistent compliance and demonstrated support of music such as the presentation of local content or innovative use of music.

INFORMATION, ADVICE AND DISPUTES

For assistance with information, advice or the resolution of disputes, members in the first instance should direct queries to the Director of Member Services, who may respond directly or refer the matter to the APRA Board of Directors.

APRA AMCOS would like to thank our event supporters and sponsors for helping make the APRA Music Awards possible:
 

The APRA Music Awards strive to provide fair and inclusive access to all of their events. The Hordern Pavilion is a proudly accessible venue for all patrons.

GETTING TO THE VENUE

Address: Errol Flynn Blvd, Moore Park, NSW 2021
Venue entry is via Errol Flynn Blvd, there will be no access via Driver Avenue.

The Moore Park and the Entertainment Quarter Precinct is easily accessible by car, coach and public transport. With frequent light rail services and a number of regular bus routes, the best way to get to the venue is public transport.
It is a 10-minute drive from the Sydney CBD and 15 minutes from the airport.

PARKING

Parking is available in the Entertainment Quarter, directly opposite The Hordern Pavilion in Wilson Carpark. Plan your journey with online options available, click here for details.

Timed, on street parking is also available on Driver Ave, immediately next to the venue, but is limited and operates on a first in, first served basis.

AMENITIES & SERVICES

Assisted Hearing
The 2026 APRA Music Awards will be Auslan interpreted. If you require Auslan interpretation for the ceremony please note this on your RSVP in the accessibility requirements to ensure you are seated in the best sight line of the interpreter.

Assistive listening devices are also available to loan from the Front of House manager at The Hordern Pavilion. Connection can be achieved with standard headphones or with hearing aids via a neck loop. Devices can be borrowed free of charge, however they must be booked a minimum of 48hrs prior to the performance time. To book, please call the Town Hall Box Office on (03) 9929 9600 prior to the APRA Music Awards.

Accessible Toilets
At floor level there are 30 female toilets at the south-eastern corner, plus a disabled toilet. The south-western corner has 6 male toilets, urinals, and a disabled toilet. If you need directions to these facilities, please ask one of the APRA staff or The Hordern Pavilion team members.

Sensory Friendly Space
A sensory friendly space will be available. This area will offer attendees some quiet and calm on event day no matter the size or volume of the crowd and is available for those who have sensory sensitivities, processing differences, or other hidden disabilities (e.g. autism, acquired brain injury, mental illness, PTSD, dementia).
The sensory friendly space is not a social space and is an alcohol-free zone.
Should you require use of the sensory friendly space, please see venue staff or APRA AMCOS staff for directions.

Service Animals/Guide Dogs
Service animals with their identification badge or medallion are welcome inside the venue. To take them outside for relief, please inform our customer service team who can direct you to the nearest outdoor area.

Vision Impairment
There is low lighting in the venue throughout the ceremony. All walkways are clearly marked, however if you have low vision and need assistance, please let a member of staff from APRA or Hordern Pavilion know, our staff will be happy to help.

CONTACT US
Should you have any questions or considerations not mentioned in the above, please contact us at [email protected] or call us on 1800 642 634.
To download this accessibility pack including all images, please click here.