Stage 1. Nomination process
The VIGA Music Awards uses a rigorous, transparent, and inclusive nomination process to ensure accuracy, combining a selection approach and an application approach, both designed to uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness. To be considered for nomination, any artist and/or work submitted must have been released within the published eligibility period. The vetting criteria also consider artistic merit, social impact, technical excellence, innovation and originality, and industry success. Here’s how it works:
Selection approach – Academy-led:
The Academy—stakeholders including producers, media personnel, music executives, and scholars, among others, drawn from key music and media institutions—evaluates media and industry trends against clearly defined criteria to select nominees (top performers and outstanding works) in their respective categories and forwards a shortlist to the Nominations Panel.
It considers publicly released works without seeking consent from rights holders, unless they formally opt out of consideration in writing before the nomination process begins. Upon nomination, all nominees automatically grant VIGA Music Awards the right to use their name, likeness, and nominated works for marketing and promotion across media platforms.
Application approach:
Following significant public demand and a review of industry dynamics, the VIGA Music Awards now accept open submissions from interested parties — including artists, labels, managers and rights holders — who may apply directly via the VIGA portal with official audio/video links and required details. Terms and conditions apply. Submitted works are vetted by a select jury, which sends a shortlist to the Nominations Panel.
By submitting their work(s), the rights owners, artist(s) and/or their representatives grant VIGA Music Awards the right to use their name, likeness, and submitted works across media platforms for marketing and promotional purposes.
After receiving the Academy’s selections and the jury’s vetted applications, the Nominations Panel reviews the entries and selects the final nominees.
Stage 2: Public Voting
The Nominees who advance from the nomination process enter a transparent, fan-driven online vote that decides the winners in each category. Voting progress is shared at intervals to build excitement and encourage participation, and candidates are encouraged to mobilize their fans to vote.
Stage 3. Winners Announcement
Winners are revealed and announced at the Regional Awards Galas and the Grand Finale. The nominee with the highest combined score in each category is crowned the winner. Vote integrity is ensured by a secure, reliable voting system. Full scorecards are archived for audit and dispute resolution.