Originally launched in 1985 alongside the early years of Winter Music Conference, the International Dance Music Awards were among the first global honors dedicated exclusively to dance and electronic music. For nearly four decades, the IDMAs have recognized the artists, producers, labels, festivals, clubs, media platforms, and industry leaders who have helped shape the evolution of electronic music worldwide. The 2026 edition signals both a meaningful homecoming and a renewed commitment to celebrating excellence across the full spectrum of the culture.
In addition, genre-focused artist categories highlight leaders across Dance, Techno, House, Melodic House/Techno, Progressive House, Tech House, Afro House, Trance, Bass, and Drum & Bass, reflecting the global diversity and influence of today’s electronic music landscape.
Nominees were curated through a comprehensive research and evaluation process conducted by the IDMA team in collaboration with members of the IDMA Advisory Board. The process included analysis of leading electronic music publications and industry media, publicly available chart and streaming data, major festival lineups, touring activity, and other widely recognized indicators of cultural and commercial impact within the global dance music ecosystem. Advisory Board members were also invited to submit write-in nominations, helping ensure the final ballot reflects both measurable performance and informed industry perspective.
Winners across all major categories will be determined by the IDMA Advisory Board, a group of respected leaders from across the electronic music industry, including prominent managers, agents, promoters, label executives, and other key voices shaping the business and culture of dance music worldwide. This peer-driven voting process reinforces the credibility and integrity of the awards, ensuring that honorees are recognized by professionals actively working within the industry.
Winners will be revealed and select awards presented during a special Bridges For Music x IDMA reception at Winter Music Conference on Thursday, March 26. The ceremony will bring together artists, nominees, and industry leaders for an evening celebrating excellence across the global electronic music community.
The reception will be open to Winter Music Conference badge holders, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the International Dance Music Awards as part of Miami Music Week’s broader industry gathering. Additional details surrounding the reception and award presentations will be announced in the coming weeks.
As electronic music continues to expand its global cultural and commercial footprint, the return of the International Dance Music Awards represents a pivotal moment - honoring the genre’s legacy while recognizing the artists and organizations shaping its future.
Industry Categories:
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”
- 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 (US)
- Coachella (US)
- Creamfields (UK)
- Dekmantel (Netherlands)
- EDC Las Vegas (US)
- Tomorrowland (Belgium)
- Ultra Music Festival (US)
Best Club
- Amnesia (Ibiza)
- Drumsheds (UK)
- Echostage (D.C.)
- Hï (Ibiza)
- Space (Miami)
- UNVRS (Ibiza)
- Ushuaïa (Ibiza)
Best Event Series
- Breakaway
- Circoloco
- Defected
- Elrow
- Experts Only
- Music On
- RESISTANCE
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
Best Music Media Resource
- 1001Tracklists
- Beatportal
- Billboard Dance
- DJ Lovers Club
- DJ Mag
- Mixmag
- Resident Advisor
Artist Categories:
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
Progressive House Artist of the Year
- Christoph
- Eric Prydz
- John Digweed
- Sasha
- Sebastien Leger
- Yotto
Tech House Artist of the Year
- Josh Baker
- Max Styler
- Odd Mob
- Pawsa
- Prospa
Afro House Artist of the Year
- Adam Port
- Alex Wann
- Hugel
- Rampa
- Vanco
Trance Artist of the Year
- Above & Beyond
- Armin van Buuren
- Ferry Corsten
- Markus Schulz
- Marlon Hoffstadt
Bass Artist of the Year
- Excision
- GRiZ
- Illenium
- Subtronics
- Sullivan King
- Zeds Dead
Drum & Bass Artist of the Year
- Andy C
- Chase & Status
- Dimension
- Hedex
- Sub Focus
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