Estonian Music Awards

The Estonian Music Awards is an annual non-profit gala concert with the goal of recognizing outstanding Estonian musicians and popularising Estonian music. The concert is organized and the awards are presented by the Estonian Association of the Phonogram Producers (EFÜ). The awards ceremony is broadcast on television.
The awards began in 1998, when the EFÜ first awarded the Golden Record to the most successful artists. In 1998–1999, the Golden Records Music Awards was presented in cooperation with the Estonian Authors' Association and the Estonian Performers' Association.
In 2000, the logo and name of the award were changed. Artists were selected based on the voting results of juries – which included music editors, presenters, music teachers, musicians, DJs, concert organizers, producers, etc. In six categories, juries of 100 members were formed, and in three categories, juries of up to 15 members were formed. In addition, nominees and laureates were selected based on rankings.

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History

1998

Estonian phonogram producers first felt the need to recognize the best of Estonian pop music by creating the Estonian Pop Music Annual Awards Golden Disc in 1998, when the most successful artists were awarded the Estonian Pop Music Annual Awards Golden Record 1998. The awards ceremony took place and was recorded at the Estonian Television (ETV) studio on December 29, 1998, and aired as a 40-minute television program two days later, on the last day of the year.
The 1998 awards were presented in 9 categories: Most Successful Female Singer, Most Successful Male Singer, Most Successful Ensemble, Most Successful Debut, The Most Successful Record Company, Most played radio hit, The most played hit in dance halls, Album of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. In addition, one special award was given: Best Police Officer in the Fight Against Piracy in 1998.

1999

The Estonian Pop Music Annual Awards Golden Disc 1999 Gala took place at the Tallinn nightclub “Venus” on March 3, 2000. It was broadcast live by both ETV and Raadio 2. In 1999, the award categories were renamed as an innovation and two new categories were added – Album Design of the Year and Contribution to Estonian Pop Music.
The 1999 awards were presented in 10 categories: Male Artist of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Radio Hit of the Year, Dance Hit of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Record Label of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Album of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Pop Music.

2000

In 2000, the event was renamed to Estonian Music Awards. The difference compared to the two previous years is that the EFÜ started to determine the nominees and winners based on the jury voting results from 2000.
Impartial juries of 100 members were formed in six categories. Nominees and laureates were determined based on rankings. The juries consisted of individuals active in various fields of music in Estonia. For the first time, a comprehensive set of rules for music awards was also developed, which included the conditions for nomination, criteria for determining nominees and winners, and the composition and work of the juries. When determining nominees and winners, the jury members had to take into account, among other things, the following criteria - sales success, the idea and execution of the performance or music video or album design, playability on radio and television, the success of concerts, and the impact on Estonian music in general and more broadly.
At the award ceremony held on March 3, 2001 at the Decolte nightclub. New awards were added that included multiple genres of music, rather than just pop music, including ethno/folk, jazz/blues and classical music categories. One of the special awards recognized the fight against piracy – the Music Supporter of the Year award was given to Äripäev journalist Peep Sooman for his articles on piracy.
Cooperation with ETV and Raadio 2 continued, both of which broadcast the event live, providing extensive advance advertising for the event in the form of commercials, interviews, etc. The 2000 awards were presented in 14 categories: Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, Classical Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Radio Hit of the Year, Dance Hit of the Year, Record Label of the Year, Music Supporter of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2001

The Estonian Music Awards 2001 took place on March 3rd at Saku Suurhall. Awards were presented in 15 categories: Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Dance Artist of the Year, Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, Classical Artist of the Year, Alternative Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Radio Hit of the Year, Dance Hit of the Year, Artist of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2002

There was no award ceremony in 2002, likely due to the Eurovision Song Contest 2002 being held in Tallinn.

2003

The Estonian Music Awards 2003 took place on March 15th at the Saku Suurhall. Awards were presented in 15 categories: Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Dance Artist of the Year, Jazz Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, Alternative Artist of the Year, Classical Album of the Year, Hit Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Artist of the Year, Foreign Artist of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2004

The Estonian Music Awards 2004 took place on March 3, 2004 at the Sokos Hotel Viru. The awards ceremony was broadcast live by TV3. Awards were presented in 13 categories: Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, Alternative Artist of the Year, Classical Artist of the Year, Hit Song of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music, Artist of the Year.

2005

On March 2, the Estonian Music Awards 2005 were presented at Club Parlament. In addition to the award ceremony, Koer, Toe Tag, Soul Militia, Cool D, Julia Boman and Slobodan River performed. Awards were presented in 16 categories: Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Album of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, HipHop/RnB Artist of the Year, Electronic Artist of the Year, Metal/Punk Artist of the Year, Classical Album of the Year, Hit Song of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2006

On March 19, 2006, the Estonian Music Awards 2006 were presented at the Vanemuine Concert Hall. Awards were presented in 17 categories: Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Rock Artist of the Year, Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, HipHop/RnB Artist of the Year, Electronic Artist of the Year, Metal/Punk Artist of the Year, Classical Album of the Year, Hit Song of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2007

At the Estonian Music Awards 2007, awards were presented in 15 categories: Album of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, HipHop/RnB Artist of the Year, Electronic Artist of the Year, Metal/Punk Artist of the Year, Rock Artist of the Year, Jazz Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Art of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Hit Song of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2008

The annual music awards were presented at the A.Le Coq Live Estonian Music Awards 2008 gala concert, held at the Pärnu Concert Hall on April 1. Various artists took to the stage with programs and lineups specially created for the evening. The evening was hosted by Hannes Võrno and the event was broadcast live by TV3. Awards were presented in 15 categories: Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, HipHop/RnB Artist of the Year, Electronic Artist of the Year, Metal/Punk Artist of the Year, Rock Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Hit Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2009

The A. Le Coq Live Estonian Music Awards 2009 gala took place on March 19 at the Russian Theatre. Awards were presented in 15 categories: Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, Electronic Artist of the Year, HipHip/RnB Artist of the Year, Metal Artist of the Year, Rock Artist of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, People's Choice of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2010

The A. Le Coq Live Estonian Music Awards 2010 gala took place on February 25 at the Nokia Concert Hall. Awards were presented in 15 categories: Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year, Electronic Artist of the Year, HipHop/RnB Artist of the Year, Metal/Punk Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Rock Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, Audience Favorite, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2011

The A. Le Coq Live Estonian Music Awards 2011 gala was held at the Nokia Concert Hall and featured performances by Koit Toome, The Sun, Metsatöll ja Zetod, Ott Lepland, Lenna, Liisi Koikson, Singer Vinger and Ultima Thule. Scandinavian rock band Sunrise Avenue introduced themselves to the Estonian audience for the first time. Awards were presented in 15 categories: Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Jazz Artist of the Year, Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year, Electronic Artist of the Year, HipHop Artist of the Year, Metal Artist of the Year, Rock Artist of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Contribution to Estonian music.

2012

The Estonian Music Awards 2012 gala took place on February 2 at the Nokia Concert Hall. Awards were presented in 15 categories: Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Alternative Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Contribution to Estonian music.

2013

The Estonian Music Awards 2013 gala took place on February 14. Põhja-Tallinn won the most awards with three trophies, while Vaiko Eplik and Ott Lepland each took home two awards. Iiris was named Female Artist of the Year and Ott Lepland was named Male Artist of the Year. The latter also won the title of Pop Album of the Year. The most valuable trophy of the Estonian Music Awards, Album of the Year, was won by Vaiko Eplik for his album Varielu. Vaiko Eplik also won the Rock Album of the Year award. The high recognition, Contribution to Estonian Music, was awarded to well-known music figure Anne Erm. The jury awarded the Best Song of the Year award to Lenna for her song Mina jään, and the Music Video of the Year went to Kerli. Black Velvet, Iiris, Ott Lepland, Tiger Milk, Vaiko Eplik, Lenna, Tenfold Rabbit and Põhja-Tallinn performed at the gala.
Awards were presented in 16 categories: Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap Album of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2014

The 2014 Estonian Music Awards was held on January 30, 2014 at the Nokia Concert Hall. Birgit Õigemeel and Vallatud Vestid, Facelift Deer, Kerli, Kõrsikud, HU?, Lenna, Metsakutsu and Grete Paia, Winny Puhh, Karl-Erik Taukar and Anne Veski performed. The jury awarded three artists the title of winner in more than one category: Kõrsikud, Facelift Deer, and Leslie Da Bass, who took home two awards each.
Awards were presented in 19 categories: Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Classical Album of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap/R'n'B Album of the Year, Folk Album of the Year, Album Design of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2015

Curly Strings was the biggest winner at the Estonian Music Awards 2015, taking home four trophies. Karl-Erik Taukar, Maria Minerva and Trad.Attack! won in two categories each. The gala concert featured performances by Tanja, Ewert And The Two Dragons, Curly Strings, Karl-Erik Taukar, Elephants From Neptune, Genka & Paul Oja, and Getter Jaani & Risto Vürst. The evening was hosted by Ott Lepland and Ines.
Awards were presented in 17 categories: Album of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2016

Elina Born was the biggest winner at the Estonian Music Awards 2016, taking home four trophies. Trad.Attack! won three awards, including Album of the Year. Karl-Erik Taukar, Liis Lemsalu, Justament, Jüri Pootsmann, Elina Born, Tanel Padar & The Sun, Cartoon, Trad.Attack!, Leslie Da Bass performed. The evening was hosted by Karl-Erik Taukar and Liis Lemsalu.
Awards were presented in 17 categories: Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap/R'n'B Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2017

The Estonian Music Awards 2017 gala took place on January 26. Karl-Erik Taukar was the most successful with three awards, while Kadri Voorand and Elephants From Neptune won two trophies. The awards ceremony was broadcast live by TV3. The evening was hosted by Tanja Mihhailova-Saar and Mikk Saar, who also made a surprise appearance on the show. The concert featured performances by Liis Lemsalu, Laura, Lenna, Metsakutsu, NOËP, I Wear* Experiment, Karl-Erik Taukar, Mick Pedaja, and Estonian Voices.
2017 marked the first year that the Classical music genre was split into sub-genres. The nominees for the category "Classical Album of the Year" are the albums that received the most votes in each classical genre category: Solo or Chamber Music Album of the Year, Orchestra or Stage Music Album of the Year, Choral Music Album of the Year, Estonian Composition Album of the Year.
Awards were presented in 17 main categories: Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap/R'n'B Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year,'' Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2018

The Estonian Music Awards 2018 celebrated the ceremony's 20th anniversary with a gala held in the Saku Suurhall. The show offered several performances with special effects, and over 20 artists performed including 2 Quick Start, Trad.Attack!, Liis Lemsalu, Miljardid and NOËP. The Estonian hip-hop cannonball consisting of reket, Beebilõust, Arop, Genka and 5MIINUST surprised with a unique joint number. The gala was broadcast live on January 25 on Kanal 2. The evening was hosted by Eda-Ines Etti and Karl-Erik Taukar. The most successful winners were Miljardid with three awards, while Trad.Attack!, Liis Lemsalu and Erki Pärnoja each won two trophies. 2 Quick Starts were recognized with the Contribution to Estonian Music award.
Awards were presented in 17 main categories: Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year,'' Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2019

On January 24, the Estonian Music Awards 2019 were presented at Saku Suurhall. The evening was hosted by singer Triinu “Lepatriinu” Paomets and musician Reigo Ahven. The biggest winner of the evening was Ewert and The Two Dragons, who won in all three categories in which they were nominated. The musicians who performed at the gala included Kare Kauksi in the Mahavok lineup, NOËP, and a joint number by Bert on Beats and the ÖED ensemble. Notable moments include the performance of Rein Rannap and Ott Lepland together with the WAF Choir, and the Revals. In addition, Uudo Sepp, Maian, Lenna, Ewert and The Two Dragons, Duo Ruut, Talbot, Victor Crone and The Boondocks also performed. The event was broadcast live by Kanal2, Kanal11, Elmar and Elu24.
A total of 17 categories were awarded: Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap Album of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

2020

Anna Kaneelina and nublu received the most awards at the Estonian Music Awards 2020 gala held at Saku Suurhall on January 24. The winners of the Estonian Music Awards were determined by a jury of nearly 160 members convened by the Estonian Phonogram Producers Association. The Artist of the Year was determined in a public vote conducted by Elu24 and the Estonian Music Awards. At the biggest music gala yet, 20 artists performed. These included the world premieres of Trad.Attack!'s new single "Tehke ruumi", Ariadne's new single "Queen Of My Own" and British rising star CHINCHILLA's new single "Cold Water". In addition, The Swingers performed a memorable pop song from the top five Estonian songs of the year and gave the show a 5MIINUST score with villemdrillem. The ensemble FIX was also seen on the gala stage. In addition, STEFAN, Liis Lemsalu, Anna Kaneelina, Rita Ray, Gram-of-Fun, Clicherik & Mäx, nublu and Isac Elliot performed special numbers. The evening was hosted by Trad.Attack!. The event was broadcast live by Kanal 11, Kanal 2, Elmar and Elu24.
Awards were given out in a total of 18 categories: Debut Album of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap/R'n'B Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year , Contribution to Estonian Music.

2021

At the Estonian Music Awards 2021 gala held on January 28, nublu received the most awards, winning six awards, including Debut Album of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap/R'n'B Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year. The Music Video of the Year win came for the song "Universum", which was made in collaboration with Mikael Gabriel and director Marta Vaarik. "Café Kosmos" was chosen as Album of the Year. Both Trad.Attack! and Anett were awarded two awards. The Best Song of the Year went to Trad.Attack! “Armasta mind”, and the band also won in the Ethno/Folk Album of the Year category. Anett was awarded the titles of Female Artist of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year. Over 150 jury members participated in selecting the winners. The Artist of the Year was determined as a result of a public vote conducted in cooperation with Elu24. Traditionally, the Contribution to Estonian Music award was also presented, which was received by the ensemble Ruja. Hosts Kaire Vilgats and Dagmar Oja performed an opening number from the Best Song of the Year nominees with Utopia Entertainment dancers and the Police and Border Guard Orchestra conducted by Siim Aimla. The gala evening also featured musical performances by Terminaator, 5MIINUST, pizza, nublu, Miljardid, Anett, Raul Ojamaa and NOËP. The event was broadcast live by Kanal 2 and Elu24.
Awards were given out in a total of 19 categories: Debut Album of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Etno/Folk Album of the Year, Song of the Year/Folk Album, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap/R'n'B Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year , Contribution to Estonian Music.

2022

NOËP and Puuluup took home the most awards at the Estonian Music Awards 2022 gala held at the Alexela Concert Hall on 26.01.2022. NOËP, who received four awards, was victorious in the categories of Male Artist of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year, as well as in the categories of Debut Album of the Year and Album of the Year. The ensemble Puuluup was awarded two awards, winning in the categories of Band of the Year and Ethno/Folk Album of the Year. Singer YASMYN was awarded Female Artist of the Year. Tommy Cash won the Best Music Video award. A total of 190 jury members participated in selecting the winners. In addition, the Artist of the Year award was also presented, chosen by Kroonika readers – the winner was the band 5MIINUST. Continuing the tradition, the Contribution to Estonian Music Award was also presented, which was awarded to composer Mikk Targo. The event was broadcast live by Kanal 2, and for the first time, the show was also available to watch as an alternative online broadcast via the Elisa Stage platform. The gala evening was hosted by Liis Lemsalu and Daniel Levi Viinalass, who also performed an opening number. The performers at the gala were NOËP, 5MIINUST, Puuluup, Wateva, Genka, YASMYN and Gameboy Tetris. The performers were accompanied on stage by ÜENSO conductors Tõnno Piigli and Jüri-Ruut Kangur.
Awards were given out in a total of 19 categories: Debut Album of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk Album of the Year, Song of the Year/Folk Album, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year,,Hip-Hop/Rap/R'n'B Artist of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year , Contribution to Estonian Music.

2023

At the Estonian Music Awards 2023 gala at the Unibet Arena, STEFAN picked up the most awards, winning a total of four titles in the categories of Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. This year, the awards for Band of the Year and Debut Album of the Year went to Gram-Of-Fun, and Rita Ray was named Female Artist of the Year and won the Album of the Year award. The award for best music video went to nublu for the song "kastehein". This year, the Soul/Funk/R'n'B artist of the year was chosen for the first time, and Anett won with her album "Late to the Party". Nearly 200 jury members participated in selecting the winners. The winner of the Artist of the Year award was determined by a public vote on the Sky.ee portal, and STEFAN was chosen. The legendary Rock Hotel, whose music was performed on stage by Siim Aimla, Maarja, Tanel Padar, Ott Lepland, Robert Linna, Jaak Vasar, Eduard Akulin, Andrus Lillepea, Eric Kammiste, Joonas Mattias Sarapuu and Henno Kelp, was recognized for its contribution to Estonian music. The gala evening was hosted by 5MIINUST, who performed an opening number. The gala featured performances by nublu, Anett, Elephants From Neptune, STEFAN, Rita Ray and Gram-Of-Fun.
Awards were given out in a total of 20 categories: Debut Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Songwriter's Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap Artist of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Soul/Funk/R'n'B Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year , Contribution to Estonian Music.

2024

At the grand gala of the Estonian Music Awards 2024 at the Unibet Arena, ALIKA was the overwhelming winner, winning a total of five titles in the categories of Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Debut Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. Bedwetters won three awards – Band of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and Music Video of the Year. NOËP was named both Male Artist of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year. 160 jury members participated in selecting the winners. The winner of the Artist of the Year award was determined by a public vote on the Sky.ee portal, and ALIKA was chosen. The award for Contribution to Estonian Music was given to pop music great, singer Marju Länik. The gala evening was hosted by Birgit Sarrap and STEFAN, who opened the evening with a performance. Performers included ALIKA, Bedwetters, NOËP, villemdrillem, Anett x Fredi, MARI KALKUN and Marju Länik. The live broadcast was on Kanal 2 and a special web program was broadcast on Delfi.
Awards were given out in a total of 20 categories: Debut Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Songwriter's Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap Artist of the Year, Soul/Funk/R'n'B Artist of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Metal Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year , Contribution to Estonian Music.

2025

The Estonian Music Awards 2025 grand gala at the Unibet Arena was won by 5MIINUST x Puuluup and nublu, who were both awarded a total of three titles. 5MIINUST x Puuluup took home the titles Album of the Year, Band of the Year and Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year. Pop Artist of the Year nublu also won the Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories with the song "push it" featuring maria kallastu. Mari Jürjens was awarded both Female Artist of the Year and Original Song Album of the Year. Florian Wahl received Male Artist of the Year and Alternative/Indie Album of the Year awards.The winners of the Estonian Music Awards were selected by a 159-member jury. The Music Video of the Year was determined by a public vote on the Delfi portal. The Contribution to Estonian Music award went to pop music hitmaker, songwriter, producer and musician Sven Lõhmus. The gala evening was hosted by Anne Veski and the Bedwetters ensemble, who opened the evening with a special number. The performers were 5MIINUST x Puuluup, nublu and maria kallastu, Mari Jürjens, Vaiko Eplik & Eliit, Florian Wahl, villemdrillem and JT Conception, among others. The live broadcast was via Kanal 2 and a special web program was broadcast on Delfi.
Awards were given out in a total of 18 categories: Debut Album of the Year, Alternative/Indie Album of the Year, Songwriter's Album of the Year, Electronic Album of the Year, Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year, Hip-Hop/Rap Artist of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year, Classical Album of the Year , Metal Album of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Contribution to Estonian Music.

Winners

General Field Awards

Debut Album of the Year (1998–2001, Since 2011)

Replaced by Newcomer of the Year in 2003-2010

Radio Hit of the Year (1998–2001)

Replaced by Hit Song of the Year in 2003

Year	Winner	Artist	Ref
1998	Tantsin sinuga taevas	Smilers
1999	C’est La Vie	2 Quick Start
2000	Once in a Lifetime	Ines
2001	Ühega miljoneist	2 Quick Start

Hit Song of the Year (2003–2008)

Replaced by "Song of the Year" in 2011

Year	Winner	Artist	Ref
2003	Unistus/ As My Life Goes On	Tanel Padar
2004	Leekiv armastus	Genialistid ja Lea Liitmaa
2005	15 magamata ööd	Ines
2006	Kuu on päike	Tanel Padar & The Sun
2007	Kosk	Vaiko Eplik ja Eliit
2008	Absoluutselt	Hannaliisa Uusma

Newcomer of the Year (2003–2010)

Replaced by Debut Album of the Year in 2011

Year	Winner	Album	Ref
2003	Liisi Koikson	The Gemini Diaries
2004	Chalice	Ühendatud inimesed
2005	Koer	Pure
2006	Tanel Padar & The Sun	The Greatest Hits
2007	Mari-Leen	Rahutu tuhkatriinu
2008	Traffic	Traffic
2009	HU?	Film
2010	Chungin & The Strap-On Faggots	Chungin & The Strap-On Faggots

People's Choice of the Year (2009–2010)

This award was named "Audience Favorite" in 2010.

Year	Artist	Album	Ref
2009	Tanel Padar & The Sun	Unisex
2010	Shanon

Song of the Year (Since 2011)

From 2011-2021, this award was named "Best Song of the Year"

Year	Winner	Artist	Ref
2011	Rapunzel	Lenna
2012	Good Man Down	Ewert and The Two Dragons
2013	Mina jään	Lenna
2014	Meiecundimees üks Korsakov läks eile Lätti	Winny Puhh
2015	Kauges külas	Curly Strings
2016	Goodbye to Yesterday	Elina Born & Stig Rästa
2017	Rooftop	NOËP
2018	Kiki Miki	Arop
2019	Mina ka	nublu feat. reket
2020	für Oksana	nublu x gameboy tetris
2021	Armasta mind	Trad.Attack!
2022	Love Ain’t The Same	Rita Ray
2023	Hope	STEFAN
2024	Bridges	ALIKA
2025	push it	nublu feat. maria kallastu

Jazz/Blues Awards & Winners

The Jazz/Blues genre was introduced in 2000.

Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year (2000–2002, 2003–2011)

Replaced by Jazz Album of the Year in 2012

Year	Winner	Album	Ref
2000	Riho Sibul	Poeet külmetab klaasmäel
2001	Hedvig Hanson	Tule mu juurde
2003	Riho Sibul & Estonian Dream Big Band	Riho Sibul & Estonian Dream Big Band
2004	Hedvig Hanson	What Colour Is Love?
2005	Riho Sibul	Must
2006	Liisi Koikson	Väike Järv
2007	Toomas Rull	Going North
2008	Villu Veski	iLife Jazz Party
2009	Hedvig Hanson	Kohtumistund
2010	Riho Sibul	Liblikas ja peegel
2011	Liisi Koikson	Ettepoole

Ethno/Folk Awards & Winners

The Ethno/Folk genre was introduced in 2000.

Ethno/Folk Artist of the Year (2000–2001, 2003–2011)

Replaced by Ethno/Folk Album of the Year in 2012

Year	Winner	Album	Ref
2000	Dago	Dago
2001	Jaan Tätte	Minemine
2003	Eesti Keeled ja Jaak Johanson, Riho Sibul	Sabaga täht
2004	Maian Kärmas	Tuigutuled
2005	Eesti Keeled	Kella tiksumist…
2006	Jäääär	Juubelplaat: ei Üle ega Ümber
2007	Diskreetse Mango Trio	Prigadi-pragadi
2008	Orelipoiss	Üheksakümmend üheksa
2009	Zetod	Lätsi tarrõ tagasi
2010	Jaan Tätte	Tulemine
2011	Orelipoiss	Õnn

Song of the Year/Folk Album (2014, 2021–2022)

In 2014, this award was named "Folk Album of the Year"

Year	Winner	Artist	Ref
2014	Sinu ''südames	Kõrsikud

2021	Omaenese ilus ja veas	Mari Jürjens
2022	Sisemeri silmini''	Jaak Johanson

Ethno/Folk/Popular Album of the Year (2012–2020, 2023–Current)

Prior to 2015, this award was named Ethno/Folk Album of the Year

Year	Winner	Artist	Ref
2015	Trad.Attack!	Trad.Attack!
2016	Ah!	Trad.Attack!
2017	Une meeles	Maarja Nuut
2018	Kullakarva	Trad.Attack!
2019	Süüta mu lumi	Puuluup
2020	Ayibobo	Black Bread Gone Mad

2023	Akadeemia	KukerPillid
2024	STOONIA LOOD	MARI KALKUN
2025	kannatused ehk külakiigel pole stopperit	5MIINUST x Puuluup

Classical Awards & Winners

The Classical genre was introduced in 2000.

Estonian Composition Album of the Year (2017–2018, Since 2020)

From 2017-2023, this award was named "Composition Album of the Year"

Year	Winner	Composer	Performed By	Ref
2017	The Deer's Cry	Arvo Pärt	Vox Clamantis, Toomas Vavilov, Heikko Remmel, Taavo Remmel, Robert Staak, Mari Poll, Johanna Vahermägi, Susanne Doll, conductor Jaan-Eik Tulve
2018	Moorland elegies	Tõnu Kõrvits	Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, soloists Marianne Pärna, Jaanika Kilgi, conductor Risto Joost

2020	Sümfoonilised poeemid	Heino Eller	Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Olari Elts
2021	You are Light and Morning	Tõnu Kõrvits	Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, conductor Risto Joost
2022	Complete Piano Music. Volume Seven	Heino Eller	Sten Lassmann
2023	Mass of Mary	Maria Faust	Chamber Choir Collegium Musicale, conductor Endrik Üksvärav
2024	The Sound of Wings	Tõnu Kõrvits	Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, conductor Risto Joost
2025	Ship of Fools	Jüri Reinvere	Estonian Festival Orchestra, conductor Paavo Järvi, soloists Maarika Järvi, Monika Mattiesen

Solo or Chamber Music Album of the Year (2017–2018, Since 2020)

From 2017-2023, this award was named "Chamber Music Album of the Year"

Year	Winner	Composer	Performed by	Ref
2017	String Quartets	Heino Eller	Tallinn String Quartet
2017	Mirror	Tõnu Kõrvits	Anja Lechner, Kadri Voorand, Tõnu Kõrvits, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conductor Tõnu Kaljuste
2018	Works for violin and piano	George Enescu, Francis Poulenc, Arnold Schönberg, Erkki-Sven Tüür	Mari Poll, Mihkel Poll

2020	Virmalised. Eesti klaverimuusika läbi sajandi	Various	Mihekel Poll, Age Juurikas, Irina Zahharenkova, Sten Lassmann, Marko Martin jt.
2021	Lost Prayers	Erkki-Sven Tüür	Harry Traksmann, Leho Karin, Marrit Gerretz-Traksmann, Florian Donderer, Tanja Tetzlaff, Signum Quartett
2022	Strings Attached: The Voice of Kannel	Various	Anna-Liisa Eller
2023	Flow Line	Various	Ensemble Una Corda
2024	Complete Piano Music, Volume Nine	Heino Eller	Sten Lassmann
2025	Tallinn Cathedral Organ	Aare-Paul Lattik	Aare-Paul Lattik

Choral Music Album of the Year (2017–2018, Since 2020)

Renamed Choir Music Album of the Year in 2022-2023

Year	Winner	Composer	Performed by	Ref
2017	The Deer's Cry	Arvo Pärt	Vox Clamantis, Toomas Vavilov, Heikko Remmel, Taavo Remmel, Robert Staak, Mari Poll, Johanna Vahermägi, Susanne Doll, conductor Jaan-Eik Tulve
2018	Moorland elegies	Tõnu Kõrvits	Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, soloists Marianne Pärna, Jaanika Kilgi, conductor Risto Joost

2020	Liszt: Via crucis, S. 53 - Pärt: Sacred Choral Works	Arvo Pärt, Ferenc Liszt	Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conductor Kaspars Putniņš, Kalle Randalu
2021	The Suspended Harp of Babel	Cyrillus Kreek	Vox Clamantis, Jaan-Eik Tulve, Anna-Liisa Eller, Angela Ambrosini, Marco Ambrosini
2022	Choir Concerto, Three Sacred Hymns - Seven Magnificat-Antiphons	Alfred Schnittke, Arvo Pärt	Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conductor Kaspars Putniņš
2023	Liturgy of St John Chrysostom	Rachmaninov	Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conductor Kaspars Putniņš
2024	Music by Henrik Ødegaard	Henrik Ødegaard	Vox Clamantis, conductor Jaan-Eik Tulve
2025	Shostakovich Symphony No.13. - Pärt: De profundis	Dmitri Shostakovich and Arvo Pärt	Estonian National Male Choir, artistic director Mikk Üleoja, BBC Philharmonic, conductor John Storgårds, soloist Albert Dohmen

Orchestral or Stage Music Album of the Year (2017–2018, 2020–Current)

From 2017 to 2024, this award was named "Symphonic or Stage Music Album of the Year"

Year	Winner	Composer	Performed by	Ref
2017	Great Maestros. I-V.	Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Richard Strauss	Kalle Randalu, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Neeme Järvi
2018	Concertos for oboe and oboe d´amore	Antonio Vivaldi, Alessandro Marcello, Georg Philipp Telemann, Johann Sebastian Bach	Kalev Kuljus, Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra

2020	Sümfoonilised poeemid	Heino Eller	Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Olari Elts
2021	Elgar. Violin Concerto. Stenhammar. Two Sentimental Romances	Edward Elgar & Wilhelm Stenhammar	Triin Ruubel, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Neeme Järvi
2022	Works for Piano and Orchestra	Sergei Rachmaninoff, Eduard Tubin	Mihkel Poll, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Mihhail Gerts
2023	Estonian Premieres	Various	Estonian Festival Orchestra, conductor Paavo Järvi
2024	KRATT	Tubin, Bacewicz, Lutosławski	Estonian Festival Orchestra, conductor Paavo Järvi
2025	Ship of Fools	Jüri Reinvere	Estonian Festival Orchestra, conductor Paavo Järvi, soloists Maarika Järvi, Monika Mattiesen

Alternative Awards & Winners\

The Alternative genre was introduced in 2001.

Hip-Hop/R'n'B/Rap/Soul/Funk Awards & Winners

The Hip-Hop/R'n'B genres were introduced in 2005 within a single award. From 2013–2015, R'n'B was omitted from the award and the Rap genre was recognised as similar but distinct from Hip-Hop music. From 2016 to 2022, the main award included all three genres. From 2023, the Soul and Funk genres were introduced. This category now awards 2 genres, Hip-Hop/Rap and Soul/Funk/R'n'B. In 2025, there was no award for Soul/Funk/R'n'B.

Electronic Awards & Winners

The Electronic genre was introduced in 2005.

Electronic Artist of the Year (2005–2011)

Replaced by Electronic Album of the Year in 2012

Year	Winner	Album	Ref
2005	Kalm	Generalissimus Kalm
2006	Dice	Play It Again
2007	Köök	Telegramm
2008	Broken Time Orchestra	Surmal on meie jaoks tähendus
2009	Rulers Of The Deep	Ready to go overground
2010	Popidiot	Antenna of Love
2011	Leslie Da Bass	Minu kuningriik

Metal/Punk Awards & Winners

The Metal/Punk genre was introduced in 2005. In 2012, the Punk genre has been omitted and only Metal is recognised.

Metal/Punk Artist of the Year (2005–2011)

Replaced by Metal Album of the Year in 2012

Year	Winner	Album	Ref
2005	Metsatöll	Hiiekoda
2006	Metsatöll	Terast mis hangund me hinge
2007	Shelton San	Spontaneous Black
2008	Finish me off	Seed
2009	Metsatöll	Iivakivi
2010	No-Big-Silence	Starstealer
2011	Metsatöll	Äio

Rock Awards & Winners

The Rock genre was introduced in 2006.

Rock Artist of the Year (2006–2011)

Replaced by Rock Album of the Year in 2012

Year	Winner	Album	Ref
2006	Tanel Padar & The Sun	The Greatest Hits
2007	Tanel Padar & The Sun	100% rock’n’roll
2008	Vaiko Eplik ja Eliit	Vaiko Eplik & Eliit 2
2009	Vaiko Eplik ja Eliit	3: Kosmoseodüsseia
2010	Röövel Ööbik	Ringrada
2011	Ultima Thule	Jälgede jälgedes

Pop Awards & Winners

Pop has been recognised as a distinct genre since 2009.

Pop Artist of the Year (2009–2011, Since 2020)

From 2012-2019, this award was replaced by "Pop Album of the Year"

Year	Winner	Album	Ref
2009	Kerli	Love is dead
2010	Popidiot	Antenna of Love
2011	Lenna	Lenna

2020	Liis Lemsalu
2021	Anett	Morning After
2022	NOËP	No Man Is An Island
2023	STEFAN	Hope
2024	NOËP	Move Your Feet
2025	nublu

Dance Awards & Winners

Dance was recognised as a distinct genre from 1998–2003.

Dance Hit of the Year (1998–2001)