Nominations Announced For 37th Annual Pollstar Awards

Nominations have been unveiled for the 37th annual Pollstar Awards, honoring the top tours, venues, live music executives, agencies, production companies and more in over 40 categories. A highlight of Pollstar Live!, the live industry’s leading conference, is the Pollstar Awards, the only peer-voted live entertainment industry awards.

This year’s Pollstar Awards will be held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles on April 15, 2026.

“The Pollstar Awards represent one of the most important nights of the year for the live entertainment business,” said Ray Waddell, Chief Content Director, OVG Media and Conferences. “This year’s nominations reflect the extraordinary breadth of our industry — from global superstars to emerging headliners — and recognize the leaders, innovation, and diversity that defined an exciting and impactful year for live music.”

Following his standout debut as host in 2025, renowned iHeartRadio personality Valentine returns to the Pollstar Awards stage in 2026. This comes as iHeartRadio continues its partnership with the Pollstar Awards, bringing its vast reach and deep connection to music fans to the esteemed industry event.

“I’m beyond excited to return to the Pollstar Awards stage for 2026,” said Valentine, iHeartRadio personality. “This night brings together the biggest names, boldest tours, and the people who power live music at the highest level. There’s nothing like being in a room filled with the artists, executives, and visionaries who make this industry move — and I can’t wait to take the stage once again and celebrate an incredible year of music.”

The nominees for the Pollstar Awards’ Major Tour of the Year are Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter Tour,” Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Grand National Tour,” Lady Gaga’s “The Mayhem Ball,” Oasis’s “Oasis Live ’25 Tour,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet Tour,” and Tate McRae’s “Miss Possessive Tour.”

Along with awards given out for Rock Tour Of The Year, Hip-Hop Tour Of The Year, R&B Tour Of The Year, Pop Tour Of The Year, Country Tour Of The Year, Latin Tour Of The Year, and Comedy Tour Of The Year, additional tour categories include Support/Special Guest Act of the Year; Residency of the Year; Family, Event or Non-Music Tour of the Year; and New Headliner of the Year. Venue and festival awards include Music Festival of The Year, International Music Festival of The Year, Nightclub of the Year, Theatre of the Year, Arena of the Year, Red Rocks Award for Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year, Stadium of the Year, Casino/Resort Venue of the Year, New Concert Venue of the Year, and International Venue of the Year. The awards also honor venue executives; talent buyers; promoters; agents and agencies; talent managers; tour managers; venue managers; sound, transport, and concert visual companies; and more.

Nominations for those actively involved with live performance were submitted by the Pollstar Awards nominating committee made up of agents, promoters, managers, producers, production professionals, venue representatives, Pollstar Boxoffice reporters, and other touring professionals.

Voting opens to Pollstar subscribers on Jan. 16 and will end on Feb 6 at 5 p.m. PT. Subscribers can vote by logging into pollstar.com. In addition to subscriber votes, data reporting and ticket sales will be weighted elements in the final results in some categories.

Pollstar Live!, the world’s largest gathering of concert industry professionals, will return April 14-16, 2026, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. From talent booking to ticketing, sponsorships to sustainability, marketing to fan engagement — this is where the industry comes together to shape what’s next in live entertainment. New in 2026, Pollstar Live! expands to a third full day, answering the demand for deeper content with more sessions, more conversations, and more opportunities to learn, connect, and grow — running alongside the powerhouse Production Live! A highlight of the week, the 37th Annual Pollstar Awards will celebrate excellence across the industry, honoring the artists, venues, executives and events that define the business. Registration is open now, here.

The 2025 Pollstar Awards included appearances from an array of top artists, including Stevie Nicks, Missy Elliott, Jelly Roll, Eddie Vedder, Bob Weir, John Mayer, The Strokes’ Albert Hammond, Jr. and Ryan Ray and Rusty Anderson of Sir Paul McCartney’s band.

Check out the full list of 2026 Pollstar Awards nominees below.

37th Annual PSAs Nominees

Major Tour of the Year
Recognizing the most commercially and artistically successful tour of the year
Beyoncé, “Cowboy Carter Tour”
Billie Eilish, “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour”
Kendrick Lamar & SZA, “Grand National Tour”
Lady Gaga, “The Mayhem Ball”
Oasis, “Oasis Live ’25 Tour”
Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet Tour”
Tate McRae, “Miss Possessive Tour”

Rock Tour of the Year
Recognizing professionalism and dedication to the art and craft of live performance in the previous year by a touring Rock artist or band
AC/DC, “Power Up Tour”
Linkin Park, “From Zero World Tour”
Metallica, “M72 World Tour”
Nine Inch Nails, “Peel It Back”
Oasis, “Oasis Live ’25 Tour”
Sleep Token, “Even In Arcadia Tour”

Hip-Hop Tour of the Year
Recognizing professionalism and dedication to the art and craft of live performance in the previous year by a touring Hip-Hop artist or band
Kendrick Lamar & SZA, “Grand National Tour”
NBA YoungBoy, “Make America Slime Again Tour”
Nelly, “Where The Party At Tour”
Trey Songz, Omarion, & Bow Wow, “The Millennium Tour 2025”
Tyler, The Creator, “CHROMAKOPIA: The World Tour”
Wu-Tang Clan, “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber”

R&B Tour of the Year
Recognizing professionalism and dedication to the art and craft of live performance in the previous year by a touring R&B artist or band
Brandy & Monica, “The Boy is Mine Tour”
Chris Brown, “Breezy Bowl XX World Tour”
Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle & Stephanie Mills, “The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage.”
Leon Thomas, “MUTTS DON’T HEEL World Tour”
Mary J. Blige, “For My Fans Tour”
The Weeknd, “After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour”

Pop Tour of the Year
Recognizing professionalism and dedication to the art and craft of live performance in the previous year by a touring Pop artist or band
Benson Boone, “American Heart World Tour”
Billie EIlish, “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour”
Coldplay, “Music Of The Spheres World Tour”
Lady Gaga, “The Mayhem Ball Tour”
Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet Tour”
Tate McRae, “Miss Possessive Tour”

Country Tour of the Year
Recognizing professionalism and dedication to the art and craft of live performance in the previous year by a touring Country artist or band
Beyoncé, “Cowboy Carter Tour”
Chris Stapleton, “All-American Road Show”
Lainey Wilson, “Whirlwind World Tour”
Morgan Wallen, “I’m the Problem Tour”
Post Malone, “Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour”
Tyler Childers, “On the Road Tour”
Zach Bryan, “The Quittin’ Time Tour”

Latin Tour of the Year
Recognizing professionalism and dedication to the art and craft of live performance in the previous year by a touring Latin artist or band
Bad Bunny, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour”
Ivan Cornejo, “Mirada Tour”
Kali Uchis, “The Sincerely, Tour”
Maná, “Vivir Sin Aire Tour”
Rauw Alejandro, “Cosa Nuestra World Tour”
Shakira, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour”

Comedy Tour of the Year
Recognizing the most commercially and artistically successful comedy tour of the year
“Weird Al” Yankovic, “Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour”
Adam Sandler, “You’re My Best Friend Tour”
Matt Rife, “Stay Golden World Tour”
Nate Bargatze, “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour”
Nikki Glaser, “Alive and Unwell Tour”
Sebastian Maniscalco, “It Ain’t Right Tour”
Shane Gillis, “Shane Gillis Live”

Support/Special Guest of the Year
Recognizing the act that over-delivered in a supporting slot
Cage The Elephant, Oasis: “Oasis Live ’25 Tour”
Jelly Roll, Post Malone: “Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour”
Limp Bizkit, Metallica: “M72 World Tour”
Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter: “Short n’ Sweet Tour
Role Model, Gracie Abrams: “The Secret of Us Deluxe Tour”
Zara Larsson, Tate McRae: ‘Miss Possessive Tour”

Residency of the Year
Recognizing the most commercially and artistically successful run of 7 or more shows at a single venue
Backstreet Boys, Sphere Las Vegas, NV
Bad Bunny, Coliseo de Puerto Rico San Juan, PR
Dead & Company, Sphere Las Vegas, NV
Eagles, Sphere Las Vegas, NV
Kenny Chesney, Sphere Las Vegas, NV
New Kids on the Block, Dolby Live at Park MGM Las Vegas, NV

Family, Event or Non-Music Tour of the Year
Recognizing the best of family shows, sporting events, etc.
Dancing With the Stars
Diplo’s “Run Club”
Disney Descendants/Zombies “Worlds Collide Tour”
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow -N- Fire
Monster Jam
Tyler Henry – The Hollywood Medium

New Headliner of the Year
Recognizing the act in their first years of headlining that achieved a significant breakthrough this year through memorable performances, fan engagement, and boxoffice success
Benson Boone
Laufey
Megan Moroney
Tate McRae
Teddy Swims
Zach Top

Music Festival of The Year (Global; over 30K attendance)
Recognizing the most artistically and commercially successful festival of the year providing the most rewarding experience for fans and artists
Austin City Limits Music Festival , Austin, TX
Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville, KY
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Indio, CA
Lollapalooza, Chicago, IL
Louder Than Life, Louisville, KY
Osheaga, Montreal, QC

Music Festival of The Year (Global; under 30K attendance)
Recognizing the most artistically and commercially successful festival of the year providing the most rewarding experience for fans and artists
High Water Festival, North Charleston, SC
Hinterland Festival, Saint Charles, Iowa
Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, Mansfield, OH
Ohana Festival, Dana Point, CA
Treefort Music Fest, Boise, ID
Two Step Inn, Georgetown, TX

International Music Festival of The Year
Recognizing the most artistically and commercially successful festival of the year outside of the U.S. providing the most rewarding experience for fans and artists
BST Hyde Park, London, UK
Corona Capital Festival, Mexico City, Mexico
Glastonbury Festival, Pilton, UK
Osheaga, Montreal, QC
Primavera Sound, Barcelona, Spain
Tomorrowland, Boom, Belgium

Nightclub of the Year
Recognizing the nightclub that showcased superior talent booking, effective promotion, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent boxoffice success
9:30 Club, Washington, DC
First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
HISTORY, Toronto, ON
Omnia, Las Vegas, NV
The Sylvee, Madison, WI
Troubadour, West Hollywood, CA

Theatre of the Year
Recognizing the theatre that showcased superior programming, effective promotion, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent boxoffice success
Altria Theater, Richmond, VA
Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
Brooklyn Paramount, Brooklyn, NY
Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
YouTube Theater, Inglewood, CA

Arena of the Year (U.S. Only)
Recognizing the arena based in the United States that showcased superior programming, effective promotion and marketing, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent boxoffice success
Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
Madison Square Garden, New York NY
Moody Center, Austin, TX
Sphere, Las Vegas, NV
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

Arena of the Year (Outside of the U.S.)
Recognizing the arena based outside of the United States that showcased superior programming, effective promotion and marketing, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent boxoffice success
AO Arena, Manchester, UK
Co-op Live, Manchester, UK
Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City, Mexico
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
The O2 – London, London, UK
Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, NL

Red Rocks Award – Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year
Recognizing the open-air venue that showcased superior programming, effective promotion and marketing, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent boxoffice success
Forest Hills Stadium, Queens, NY
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary, NC
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
The Orion Amphitheater, Huntsville, AL

Stadium of the Year (U.S. only) Recognizing the stadium based in the United States that showcased superior programming, effective promotion and marketing, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent boxoffice success
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

Stadium of the Year (Outside the U.S.)
Recognizing the stadium based outside of the United States that showcased superior programming, effective promotion and marketing, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent boxoffice success
Estadio GNP Seguros, Mexico City, Mexico
Rogers Stadium, Toronto, ON
Strawberry Arena, Solna, Sweden
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK
Villa Park, Birmingham, UK
Wembley Stadium, London, UK

Casino/Resort Venue of the Year
Recognizing the Casino/Resort Venue that showcased superior programming, effective promotion and marketing, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent boxoffice success
Choctaw Grand Theater, Durant, OK
Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL
Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant, MI
The Venue At Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Lincoln, CA
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, Highland, CA

New Concert Venue of the Year
Recognizing the venue in its first year of operation that became an immediate factor through superior programming, effective promotion and marketing, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent boxoffice success
Channel 24, Sacramento, CA
Coca-Cola Amphitheater, Birmingham, AL
Fishers Event Center, Fishers, IN
Rogers Stadium, Toronto, ON
The Dome, Virginia Beach, VA
The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN

Venue Executive of the Year
Recognizing the venue executive who exhibited integrity, operational competence, marketing savvy, can-do attitude, flexibility, calm under stress, and business acumen
Becky Colwell, Kia Forum & Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
Christy Castillo, Butcher SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater, Hollywood Park, Inglewood, CA
David Kells, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
Jay Cooper, T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
Jeff Nickler, Moody Center, Austin, TX
Laurie Jacoby, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Randy Fibiger, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Talent Buyer of the Year
Recognizing the talent buyer whose artistic vision and commercial instincts led to packed houses and happy artists and fans
Amy Corbin, C3/Live Nation
Anthony Nicolaidis, Live Nation
Charlie Goldstone, FPC Live
Del Williams, Danny Wimmer Presents
Josh Moore, Bowery Presents
Stacie George, Live Nation

Small Venue Talent Buyer of the Year (Under 10,000 Capacity)
Recognizing the talent buyer whose artistic vision and commercial instincts led to packed houses and happy artists and fans
Andrew Saunders, Seminole Gaming
Donna Busch, Goldenvoice
Emily Simonitsch, Live Nation
Joe Moallempour, Danny Wimmer Presents
Jordan Anderson, The Bellwether
Kelly Kapp, Live Nation

Bill Graham Award / Promoter of the Year
Recognizing the best in concert promotion
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
Arthur Fogel, Live Nation
Danny Wimmer, Danny Wimmer Presents 
Darin Lashinsky, National Shows 2
Mike Smardak, Outback Presents
Rich Schaefer, AEG Presents

International Promoter of the Year
Recognizing outstanding achievement by the non-U.S.-based promoter who best staged shows and tours to overwhelming success at the boxoffice and exceeding satisfaction for artists, fans and partners
Alejandro Soberón, OCESA
Andy Copping, Live Nation UK
Denis Desmond, MCD
Erik Hoffman, Live Nation Canada
Simon Jones, AEG Presents UK
Simon Moran, SJM Concerts
Steve Homer, AEG Presents UK

Bobby Brooks Award – Agent of the Year
Recognizing outstanding achievement by an agent in strategically setting up tours, crafting creative, rewarding deals, representing the artist in the best possible scenario across multiple platforms, and selling tickets
Darryl Eaton, Creative Artists Agency
Jenna Adler, Creative Artists Agency
Kevin Shivers, Wasserman Music
Kirk Sommer, WME
Nick Storch, Independent Artist Group
Seth Shomes, Day After Day Productions

International Booking Agent of the Year
Recognizing outstanding achievement by a non-U.S.based agent in setting up tours, crafting creative, rewarding deals, representing the artist in the best possible scenario across multiple platforms, and selling tickets.
Alex Bruford, ROAM Artists
Alex Hardee, Wasserman Music
Anna Bewers, Wasserman Music
Carlos Abreu, United Talent Agency
Emma Banks, Creative Artists Agency UK
Josh Javor, WME
Rod MacSween, International Talent Booking

Booking Agency of the Year
Recognizing outstanding achievement in representing a roster of artists while consistently providing rewarding opportunities, putting them in the best possible situations, and watching out for the artist’s best interests while ethically doing business
Creative Artists Agency
High Road Touring
Independent Artist Group
United Talent Agency
Wasserman Music
William Morris Endeavor

Independent Booking Agency of the Year (Global)
Recognizing outstanding achievement in representing a roster of artists while consistently providing rewarding opportunities, putting them in the best possible situations, and watching out for the artist’s best interests while ethically doing business
Day After Day Productions
High Road Touring
Independent Artist Group
Neal Agency
ROAM
TBA Agency

Rising Star Award
Recognizing the NextGen touring executive achieving outstanding success
Eli Gelernter, Wasserman Music
Gade Raftery, Live Nation
James Bauman, Paladin Artists
John Kinsner, Black Ink Presents
Marcus Greenstein, Day After Day Productions
Shannon Saunders, WME

Personal Manager of the Year
Recognizing outstanding achievement in representation for a touring artist
Coran Capshaw, Red Light Management
Drew Simmons, Foundations
Jared Paul, Faculty Management
Jeffrey Azoff, Full Stop Management
John Silva, SAM
Wassim “Sal” Slaiby, SALXCO Management

Maxie Solters Award – Touring Publicist of the Year
Recognizing the highest achievement for a public relations executive in the live touring industry
Amanda Ruisi, AKR Public Relations
Dana Meyerson, Biz3
Ebie McFarland, EB Media PR
Ken Weinstein, Big Hassle Media
Kristen Foster, Full Coverage, Inc.
Rebecca Shapiro, Shorefire Media

Marketing Executive of the Year
Recognizing the highest achievement for the marketing executive related to the live performance industry
Allison McGregor, Creative Artists Agency
Brittany Herndon, Altria Theatre – Legends Global
Fabi Kulick, Live Nation
Sam Alpert, Wasserman Music
Sara Williams, WME
Sarah Madalinski, National Shows 2

Road Warrior of the Year
Recognizing outstanding achievement by a Tour Manager, Production Manager or other touring professional (roadie) on a specific tour this year
Chris Risner, Metallica
Curtis Battles, Chris Brown
David Klein, Sabrina Carpenter
Malcolm Weldon, Beyoncé / Post Malone & Jelly Roll
Nicole Massey, Billie Eilish
Paul Hoeppner, Shakira / Chris Brown / Post Malone & Jelly Roll / The Weeknd
Steve Drymalski, Zach Bryan / Neil Young

Transportation Company of the Year
Recognizing outstanding integrity, professionalism and creative achievement in coach, cargo or other transportation or logistic services for tour(s) this year
46 Logistics
Beat The Street
Pioneer Coach
Roadshow Services
Rock-It Cargo
Upstaging

Concert Visuals Company of the Year
Recognizing outstanding integrity, professionalism and creative achievement in concert video, lighting, LEDs or other visual experiences for tour(s) this year
4Wall Entertainment
Bandit Lites
Moo TV
PRG
Silent House
Special Event Services

Concert Sound Company of the Year
Recognizing outstanding integrity, professionalism and creative achievement in concert sound experiences for tour(s) this year

Clair Global

Creative Audio
d&b audiotechnik
L-Acoustics
Sound Image
Special Event Services (SES)

Tour Services Company of the Year
Recognizing outstanding integrity, professionalism and creative achievement in tour services not related to visuals, sound or transportation for tour(s) this year
Black Ink Presents
Cast & Crew Live Entertainment
Dega Catering
Master Tour
RockForce
SGPS ShowRig
TAG