Registration is now officially open for the 22nd Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards), the world-renowned competition that celebrates excellence in acoustic performance and songwriting. From emerging soloists to seasoned ensembles, musicians working in any acoustic-driven style are invited to submit their work and compete for more than US $11,000 in prizes, extensive radio promotion, and worldwide recognition.
Eight Award Categories and a Grand Prize
Entrants vie for top honors across eight distinct categories—Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo, Folk, Americana/Roots/AAA, Instrumental, Open (any genre), and Bluegrass/Country—with one Overall Grand Prize winner receiving a promotional package that includes airplay on more than 250 stations throughout the United States and Canada.
Now in its 22nd year, IAMA has an impressive history of propelling artists onto the industry’s biggest stages. Meghan Trainor captured early attention with an IAMA win eleven years ago before topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 and claiming the 2016 Grammy® for Best New Artist. Other alumni who went on to record deals, chart success, or international touring include Dom Flemons, Ellis Paul, Jonatha Brooke, Liz Longley, Ryan Sheridan, David Francey, Charlie Dore, Carl Wockner, AJ Croce, Rod Abernethy, Tim Schou, and Buffalo Rose.
Reigning Champion: Charlie Parr
Folk-blues troubadour Charlie Parr—photographed by Shelly Mosman—claimed both the Grand Prize and Best Folk/Americana/Roots honors in the 21st edition. Parr, who performs on resonator guitars, fretless banjo, and a twelve-string once owned by the late Minneapolis blues icon Spider John Koerner, is currently signed to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. “It’s truly wonderful to receive an award and be acknowledged for doing something I’m passionate about. Thank you!” Parr said after last year’s win.
The 2025 awards are presented with the support of PreSonus, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, Solid State Logic (SSL), Airplay Access, Ditto Music, SiriusXM, Acoustic Café Radio Show, Paige Capo, and Kari Estrin Management & Consulting. Media partners include Acoustic Café, the nationally syndicated radio program, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, both of which provide key exposure for participating artists.
How to Enter
Submissions must be received by November 7, 2025. Full entry guidelines, category details, and online registration are available at https://www.inacoustic.com.
About IAMA
Founded in 2003, the International Acoustic Music Awards honor outstanding acoustic musicianship across all genres and promote radio and web exposure for winners and finalists worldwide.
