The live entertainment sector is acknowledging its top achievements; Pollstar has released its list of nominations recognizing achievement across the entire touring industry. These awards focus on the complex convergence of artistic merit and measurable commercial success, a definitive marker of the industry’s vitality over the past year.
Lady Gaga secures a nod in the pivotal Major Tour of the Year category for "The Mayhem Ball." This nomination places her tour in a highly competitive arena, underscoring the monumental logistical and creative effort involved in producing a performance of this magnitude.
The field represents a definitive cross-section of contemporary music’s expansive, genre-fluid reach. Gaga faces formidable opposition from artists whose tours defined their respective aesthetic eras.
Beyoncé is nominated for the ambitious, genre-defying "Cowboy Carter Tour," a large-scale live interpretation of her highly publicized pivot toward country music aesthetics and storytelling. Also contending are Billie Eilish, whose deeply introspective and immediately resonant performance on "Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour" captivated global audiences, and the powerful combined presence of Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their highly anticipated "Grand National Tour." The category also acknowledges the enduring draw of legacy acts, citing the reunion energy of Oasis, touring as "Oasis Live '25," which signals the lasting power of classic rock in the current touring landscape.
Attention must also turn to the artists who achieved a crucial, measurable leap this year, transitioning from emerging talent to established touring forces.
Benson Boone is recognized in the New Headliner of the Year category, a spot designated for those who demonstrated a "significant breakthrough" in performance quality, box office success, and fan engagement metrics. He is joined by Teddy Swims, an artist whose vocal prowess has translated robustly onto the stage with palpable emotional connection.
This category highlights diverse successes, with nominations also going to the nuanced jazz-pop sensibilities of Laufey and the sharp, observational pop work of Tate.
The critical role of the opening act—the necessary energy and foundation for a major concert event—is also receiving due praise. Four distinctive artists are nominated for Support/Special Guest of the Year, each having made a memorable contribution to their respective headliner’s schedule. Olivia Dean earned her recognition for her refined opening presence on Sabrina Carpenter’s extensive tour.
Jelly Roll is noted for his supporting role alongside Post Malone, creating a unique juxtaposition of styles. Zara Larsson provided the initial, electric energy for Tate's run, while Role Model is acknowledged for their intimate contributions to the precise touring schedule of Gracie Abrams. These nominations collectively highlight the meticulous and varied work required to connect live music with vast, appreciative audiences.
Tours by Benson Boone , Lady Gaga , Sabrina Carpenter and more have received nominations for this year's Pollstar Awards , which recognize ...Alternative viewpoints and findings: Visit website
