The Polaris Music Prize has unveiled its 10-nominee album short list for 2026, featuring a diverse range of Canadian artists across multiple genres. The short list was voted on by a 205-person voting pool of music critics, journalists, academics, broadcasters, and curators, with albums selected based solely on artistic merit, without consideration for genre or record sales. The nominations include Angine de Poitrine, Vol. II; Aquakultre, 1783; Begonia, Fantasy Life; Bibi Club, Amaro; Charlotte Cornfield, Hurts Like Hell; Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Laughter In Summer; Rochelle Jordan, Through The Wall; Les Louanges, Alouette!; Peaches, No Lube So Rude; and Tanya Tagaq, Saputjiji.
The Polaris Music Prize is one of Canada’s most prestigious music awards, recognizing the best Canadian album of the year. The short list represents the diversity of Canadian music, with artists from different regions and genres represented. This year’s short list marks first-time nominations for Angine de Poitrine, Aquakultre, Charlotte Cornfield, and Rochelle Jordan. Notably, Angine de Poitrine is on a hot streak, following their viral KEXP performance that has brought them international attention. The nominations reflect the vibrancy and creativity of the Canadian music scene.
For the first time, this year’s winning album will be selected by the full jury voting pool, following a series of presentations and debate sessions. This represents a major change from the 11-person grand jury that had previously decided each winner. The change is intended to make the selection process more democratic and inclusive, ensuring that a wider range of voices are heard in the decision. The winner of the Polaris Music Prize will receive $30,000, revealed at the concert and award ceremony at Massey Hall on September 22.
