All material found in the Press Releases section is provided by parties entirely independent of Musical America, which is not responsible for content.
Press Releases
InterContinental Music Awards: 266 Global Winners Celebrate Unity in Online Ceremony Bridging Cultures and Continents
InterContinental Music Awards: 266 Global Winners Celebrate Unity in Online Ceremony Bridging Cultures and Continents
Artists from 68 Countries Unite Virtually to Share Music, Hope, and Cultural Pride
Los Angeles, CA — August 26, 2025 — In a heartfelt celebration of music and cultural connection, the 13th Annual InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA) honored 266 winning artists during its global online ceremony held last weekend on August 24, 2025. Streaming live on Zoom App, the event brought together musicians and supporters from over 68 countries and multiple time zones turning the world into one stage — uniting continents in real time for an unforgettable gathering of creativity, storytelling, and shared purpose.
The awards ceremony was hosted from the Hollywood Hills by Shahed Mohseni Zonoozi, Founder and CEO of the InterContinental Music Awards, alongside co-hosts Karen Lorre, acclaimed actress and author, and Merry M Pour, host of the award-winning web interview series Star??Spot.
Karen Lorre and Shahed Mohseni Zonoozi
“This year, more than ever, our world needed unity, and our artists answered that call through music” said Shahed Mohseni, Founder and CEO of ICMA. “It was a ceremony that built bridges between cultures and hearts, proving that no matter where we come from, music connects us, heals us, and gives us hope.”
Winners were announced live, joining virtually to deliver emotional acceptance speeches and share the inspiration behind their work. InterContinental Music Awards showcased how music transcends borders — recognizing artists in a diverse range of categories from pop and jazz to traditional, classical, and spiritual music.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious ICon Award, accompanied by a $1,000 cash prize, honoring the top-scoring submission across all categories. This year, the award was presented to Vivienne Aerts for her remarkable musical achievement and social impact. The ICon Award was generously sponsored by Sangeeta Kaur —a multi-year ICMA winner and Grammy Award–winning artist in support of creativity through music and art.
Vivienne Aerts
You can find the complete list of this year's winners on the official website:
https://www.intercontinentalmusicawards.com/winners/winners2025/
Musicians, producers, performers, record labels, and songwriters interested in participating in the 2026 InterContinental Music Awards can submit their entries online at a discounted "early bird" rate in September.
https://www.submit.intercontinentalmusicawards.com/
About the InterContinental Music Awards
The InterContinental Music Awards, acknowledged by the City of Los Angeles and California Satiate Senate, is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in the global music industry. With a commitment to honoring creativity, innovation, unity, peace, and excellence, the awards showcase the diverse talents that enrich our musical landscape. Winners benefit from the educational and promotional opportunities that ICMA provides, enabling them to advance their music careers. Major news outlets have called the ICMAs "a beacon of global musical excellence," underscoring the event's role in uniting and uplifting artists worldwide.
https://www.intercontinentalmusicawards.com/music-competition/
2025 InterContinental Music Awards Winners
(Listed by Continent and genre)
BEST OF AFRICA
African Contemporary
“Claim To The Stars” by Mbira Spirit
“You’re still the same ” by Samuel Dahai
African Hip Hop
“Music Man (ft. Krizo Marley)” by Best Slim Ever
“Call” by Proklaim
African Pop
“Poison” by Espoir La Tigresse
“Destiny” by Nomina
“Me na wewe ” by VaN PeAcE Mw
African RnB/Soul
“Morning Love” by D-ONE
Afro-Jazz
“Aiye (ft. Mercy Alu)” by Baba Kuboye
BEST OF ASIA
Asian Classical
“The Awakening” by OHNomad
“Mongolian: Who are the descendants? (Orchestral version)” by Steven Chesne
Asian Folk
“Kurumalipuzha” by Anjali mukundam
“Still Remember” by Joyin Wang
“Highlanders” by Tuni Sundatang
“Home” by HoNi (??)
Asian Jazz & Crossover
“Dream of You” and “Bellflower” by Aivee Hsu
“The East is Not A Fantasy” and “Mondrian” by Chung-Ching Chen
“Echoes of the Dunes” by Yeyun Jang/ Universal Groove
Asian Pop
“Jawani” by Anita limbu
“One Voice” by EWTC
“My Style” by JessC
“Maranden Unnai” by Nimaa Creations
Asian R&B & Soul
“Thaka Theyy” by 11 The Band
“First Passion” by Shitalchandra Kulkarni
Bollywood Music
“Taaron Ko Chandni Se” by Madhumita Chatterjee & Shaan
Carnati
“Shanmukhapriya multidimensional ” by Rajaram Ramamoorthi
Hindustani
“Classically Perth” by Avra Banerjee
“Raghupati Raaghava ” by Ruupa Raaman & Aruna Sairam
Sufi Folk Rock / Sufi Rock
“Tujhme Fana Kar De” by Avra Banerjee
BEST OF AUSTRALASIA
Australasian Folk/Country
“You Can’t Say” by Christine Clifford
“Damn Hard Working Man” by Lily-Grace Grant
Australasian Pop
“Daisies” by Elizabeth Riordan
Australasian Rock
“System Slave ” by Applebite the beggars on acid
“Blue Blue Blue (Cinematic Orchestral Arrangement)” by Ma9Na
Australasian Urban
“A New Garden” by Jennifer Parry
BEST OF EUROPE
Basque Folk
“Hoida Nana” by Eteri Goradze Yavuz
Celtic
“Aghe” by AccorDòs
European Alternative
“Walking Away” by George Solonos
“Welcome” by Mary Ann
“Vajont” by Musica Muta
European Folk
“Himno del colegio Antonio Guerrero de Aljaraque (Huelva)” by David Garrido Guil
“Quién Te Dice” by Isel
“Reflections During Wartime” by Marko Farion
“Anemos” by Tales from the Box
“The sky is cloudy” by Tamar aladashvili
European Hip-Hop
“Surviving in Chaos ” by Colorificio Mario
European Jazz
“Can We Agree?” by Lisa Marie Simmons and Marco Cremaschini
European Metal
“Jogo do Silêncio ” by Paula Teles
Europop
“Ays Gisher ” by Arman Peshtmaljyan
“I’m Back” by Eduard Rimikhanov
“Moonwatching” by Jay Jovian
“Chasing The Horizon” by Sierra Blake/K-Melodies
Flamenco
“Vamos a Dar Un Paseo (Let’s Take a Drive)” by Christopher Rapkin
“Alazán” by Edu Vico
“Alhambra by Night” by Jacco Muller, Victor Ghannam
Latin
“El otro lado de mí” by Eddie
“Beijo de Funaná” by Némanus
Nordic Folk
“Oyannah” (Ft. Clara Sorace) ” by Roger Subirana
BEST OF MIDDLE EAST
Art Music
“Lament” by Haitham Al-Shawafi
Fusion Music
“Refugee ” by Athrodeel
“Eastern Constellation” by Emad Bonakdar
“Middle East Voodoo” by Tomer George Cohen
Middle Eastern Alternative
“HaMizrakh” by Kobi Arad
Middle Eastern Pop
“Ya Habibi” by Aryana Sayeed
Traditional Folk Music
“Amran Gisher ” by Arman Peshtmaljyan
BEST OF NORTH AMERICA
Alternative
“Human Illusion” by 7OïC (Pronounced Loïc)
“It’s You” by Ben Scharlin
“Looking” by Buckets
“Can’t Wait” by Fittit
“Doctor Treat Me” by Flyght Club
“Life gets in the way” by Ian Alistair Gosbee
“Runaway” by Now Defunkt
“Sumatra” by Paula Boggs Band
“Dirt Roads ” by Project Vibe
“Don’t Turn Your Back On Love” by Rich Agata
“Letting You Go” by STEINRUCK
“Sleepless Soldier” by The Wanderer
American Roots
“She Walked” and “Your Fire”
by Grant Maloy Smith
“Keep Hope Alive” by Imaginary Friends
“Dig Deeper” by Michelle Lockey
“Your Love My Medicine” by Shelley Morningsong
Blues
“Ain’t No Cure Like The Blues ” by Justine Blazer & Lauren Anderson
“Cut Me” by Linn Holmes
“I’m singing the blues” by Lori Hardman
“A Man Without Dreams” by Pouya Kolahi
“My Philosophy ” by Project Vibe
Children’s Music
“Portraits (The Art of Perseverance)” and “No Cell Phones (in Art Class)” by 10000 Trees Music
“How (Can I Make Someone’s Day)” by Dana (Cohenour)
“Gigi and the Giggle Stamp” by Lindsey
Country
“Jaguar” by Alice Jackson
“Tough Girl ” by Bree Jaxson
“Two Lives” by Cat Lion
“Painkiller ” by Dawn Rix
“In Love With Love Again” by Haley Bundy
“Tall, Dark & Chevy” by Mary Anne Message
“When It Rains She Pours” by Poppyiris
“End of the Line” by Sylvie’s Songs
“Rattlesnake Love (ft. Justine Blazer)” by Tom Bender
“Bottom Of The Bottle 1 Last Swig” by VocalzbyJamelle
Contemporary Instrumental
“Remains of Ancient Trees” by Cicada
“Reann Reawakened”, “Ancient Magic Awakens” by David Arkenstone
“Sacred Waters” by David Lanz and Kristin Amarie
“RIPPLE—Symphony No. 1” by Douglas Knehans
“Back on this Planet” by EMER
“Minnesverket” by Fredrik Norlindh
“Outside World” by Helena Maria Falk
“Images” by Maria Rago
“Half Silver” by Martin Hebel
“A Feather’s Touch” by Morgan Husband Feraud
“Secrets” by Noshir Mody
“Traces of You” by Paula Boggs Band
“Reunion” by Renee’ Michele
“BYZANTINE (live)” by Russ Hewitt
“Jammin” by Sam Hankins Project
“The Conqueror ( part 1 )” by Yacine Tandjaoui
“Isaiah 40:31” by Yulia & Lew Laing Jr
“Two Ships Passing” by Zupe
Dance/Electronic
“How Smooth” by Flyght Club
“Revolution” by MNDLB5
Folk
“Yidishe Mame Opus” by Ellina Graypel
“Love Wins” by Heerraa
“Little Hummingbird” by Jeff Greenleaf
“GRACEFUL LILY” by Rich Allen
“Who is Gonna Rebuild LA?” by Sarah Golden & Nathan K
Gospel/Contemporary Christian
“Puppet” by Cice Rivera
“is yours oh Lord” by Jenelyn Calzado
“The Son Don’t Lie” by John Michael Ferrari
“Taste Of Victory” by Mo Dinka
“STILL STANDING” by Roxanne Robinson
“Look Into the Eyes” by The Bootleggers Music Group
“Turn It Around” by Tina Nelms/Leroy Thomas/Mali Music
Latin Music
“Sonic Horizon” by Leonardo Garcia
“Diamond Eyes (ft. Juan Pablo Palencia)” by Medd & Shaw
“Cry Me A River” by Orchestra Fuego
“Cancion Para Mi madre” by Sammy Deleon y Orquesta
Pop
“Love Again” by Ada LeAnn
“Bigger” by Ally Cribb
“With you” and by Bree Jaxson
“Christmas All Around the World” by Debé Gunn & Afrika Mamas
“Enough” by Dina & Artem
“Santa Clara” and “Wilfire” by Eli Golden
“Every Love Story” by Gloria May Byron
“There for You” by Hollywood Hippie
“We Can Start Over” by Monica Gregory
“Ice Cream Cake” by Songbird
“Forgot How to Feel” by Talie
“Bangin My Head (pop version)” by Tati Gordon
“Love Calls Me Home (ft. Wannie and Bryan Livaudais)” by Katherine Lynn
“I Heard My Name” by Wanye Kong
Rap
“Like It’s ’93 ft. Masta Ace” by Emma Lee M.C. & Roccwell
“No Pressure” by Jersey Mal
“Wisdom” by Lil toddla
“Sunshine vibes” by Nature Vandross
“Chase It (ft. Dubbygotbars & Txreek)” by Nige B
R&B
“What U Like” by A.F.G.M / A Few Good Men
“My Sagittarius ” by Alli’ Starr
“Goodmorning, Love” by Teri Tobin
“Toxicity” by Zariyah W
Jazz
“Dream of you” by Aivee Hsu
“I Never Knew You Were There” by Britt Warren
“Lately ” by Charu Suri & Cassandra Kubinski
“Lucky Us” by David Fogel
“Paradise Beach” by Evan Carydakis
“Drum & Berries”, “Hope Through Sadness” by Ilya Dynov
“Escher’s Staircase” by Junichiro Mataga
“Dinner And A Move” by Kk The Drummer
“It’s De-lovely – Song” by Robin Simone
“Absolute Love” by Walter Kittle
Reggae
“Riddim Man” by Caleb Hart
“How long will you stay away” by Corden Barrett
“Rampa ” by ManyLights
“Precious” by Samora
Rock
“Social Media Scientist” by David Forman Project
“Alone in the Dark” by Fred May
“Fade Into You” by Jamie Alimorad
“Howlin’ and Dying”by Johnny Nasty Boots
BEST OF LATIN AMERICA
Flamenco
“Mystery Circus” by Hwajong Kim
Latin Jazz
“ANA” by Rosanna Mailan
“What will we be” by Vivienne Aerts
Latin Pop/Rock
“I Wasn’t Planning This” by Aggeliki
Latin Urban
“Tu Mirada ” by Rosanna Mailan
BEST OF PANGEA
Ambient
“Otherworlds” by Mingo
“Wabi sabi” and “Imagination” by SAMBOX & Anita Barbereau
“Ultrasonic Vibes” by Thierry David
Classical
“De Profundis” by Andrea Montalbano
“Son of God” by ANGEL
“Peace Of The World” by Eteri Goradze Yavuz
“For You Became the Sun” by George Voukanos
“Nani Lahaina~Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra” by Nan Avant
“Universal Connection – Danielle” by OHNomad
“La Dolce Romanza” by Paul Long
“Eixos Teus Ulls” and “A Teresita” by Rodolfo Bada
“Everything Passes” by Stanley Grill
“Winter Glow” by The Mayfair Arrangements
Classical Crossover
“Spark” by Antonija Pacek
“Oceans” and “You Carried Me Home” by Jennifer Thomas
Contemporary Classical
“Elegy (for Dad)” by Christina Sandsengen
New Age
“Invocation” by Avra Banerjee
“Rise Up” by Edward Kee
“Spirit Eyes” by Ilka de Gast
“Kismet” by Joseph L Young
“You Shine in the Breeze” by Zixiao Ye (Lazypianist)
Singer/Songwriter
“What do you feel ” by Julia Lahmer
Soundtrack
“Lost Souls” by Davide Caprelli
“Guided by Stars” by HsinMin Chou
“A Night at the Cloudtop Imaginarium” and “Sleepwalker” by Inal Bilsel
“Helping Hand” by JC Ferrer
“40 DAYS” by Remon Sakr
“Awakening” by Vladimir Velichkov
“The Promise – The opening Title” by Youssef Guezoum
World Music
“La Rumba de Sandokan” by Arsenio Diaz
“Voyager” by David Darling
“War Mus End” by Martha Reis
“E’ Tutta Una Poesia” by Michael Cristiano
“Dreaming” by Robert Zielinski
“Wings Of Gold – A Symphonic Thillana” by Sanjeev Venkataramanan
“The Experimental Sessions” by The Indica Project
BEST INSTRUMENTALIST
“Rebirth” by Chia-Hui Shen
“Love Dance ” by Kenan Adnawi
“Scarborough Fair” by Grant Maloy Smith and Kevin Lucas
“Sevilla (originally by Isaac Albéniz)” interpreted by Elena Ortega
“Claude Debussy ‘Deux Arabesques’ “ by James Adler
“Flight of the Bumblebee (originally by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov)” by Keishi Furuya
“Inspiring Formosa: From Mirage to Mirror” by HsiaoYi-Yu / Formosa Pipe Organ Society
“Remembrance and Renewal ” by Tess Remy-Schumacher and Vivian Fang Liu
“Serenede for Violin and Guitar Opus 68” Interpreted by Classical Duet
“Serenata Española (originally by Malats)” Interpreted by Mabel Millan
“Saint-Saens / Violin Concerto No.3 Opus 61” by Sylvie Kim
“Fantaisie sur un Thème Original (originally by Jules Demersseman)” Interpreted by Jonathan Zhang
“Naan Oru Vilayattu Bommaiya (originally by Papanasam Sivan)” Cover by Kavitha Jayaraman
“Higher Ground (originally by Stevie Wonder)” Cover by Marcus Click
“Kurdish jazz (originally a traditional Kurdish music)” Interpreted by Bahez
“Cousin Will (originally by Bobby Paunetto)” Cover by Johnny Moret y La Colectiva Latina
BEST PRODUCTION
“DJ Hero Soft Lights Go Out (originally by Olive)” Cover by DJ Hero Soft
“Freedom (ft. Sandra St. Victor) (originally by George Michael)” Cover by d’Z
“Harazat” by Astghik Safaryan
“Walking Away” by George Solonos
“Mystery Circus” by Hwajong Kim
“A Night at the Cloudtop Imaginarium” by Inal Bilsel
“Ana” by Rosanna Mailan
“Oceans” by Jeniffer Thomas
BEST VOCALIST
“Song of Sancho Pança ‘ ça vous commettez tous un acte épouvantable’ (originally by André Gresse)”, “Song of Massimiliano (originally by Luigi Lablache)” Interpreted by Philip Sarrouy
“Chanson D’amour (originally by Gabriel Fauré )” Interpreted by Miroslava Oreshkin
“Poor Wand’ring One (originally by Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert)” Interpreted by Skylar Carmichael
“O Pato (originally by João Gilberto)” Cover by Aivee Hsu
“It’s Now Or Never (originally by Elvis Presley)” Cover by Ivan De Carlo
“Ke Ala Tuberose (originally by Joseph Kapaeau Aea)” Cover by Hiliu
“Grateful Remix” by Kimberly Adé
“America, America (originally by Luis Miguel )” Cover by Alexis Martinez
“All I Ask (originally by Adele)” Cover by Sofia Triantafyllidou
“I Surrender (originally by Celine Dion)” Cover by Stefany Belochlavek
“On My Own ft. Jarreau Williams (originally by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald) Cover by THEANYAAUDETTE
“Lose Control (originally by Ted Swins)” Cover by Sabrina Vaz
“Impossible ” by Amariah Lodiong
