SB19 Tops 2026 Awit Awards Nominations with 12 Nods Including Album of the Year

SB19 continues to dominate the Filipino music scene as they lead the 39th Awit Awards with 12 nominations, including the prestigious Album of the Year for their release "Simula at Wakas." This recognition comes on the heels of their historic performance at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago last July, marking a significant milestone for the P-pop group both internationally and at home.

The Awit Awards, organized by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), is the country’s premier event honoring outstanding achievements in Filipino recorded music. The 2026 edition will culminate in a grand ceremony on September 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, promising a world-class spectacle that will celebrate the best in Original Pilipino Music (OPM). For the first time, the event will be open to the public through ticket sales, allowing fans to witness the awards night live.

In an exclusive interview with INQUIRER Entertainment, SB19 described "Simula at Wakas" as the final installment of their trilogy, which also includes the EPs "Pagsibol" and "Pagtatag!" The album, released on April 25, 2025, explores themes of life stages and growth, mirroring the group’s artistic journey. Notably, tracks from the album such as "Dam" and "Dungka!" have also received nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, respectively.

Trailing closely behind SB19 in nominations are IV of Spades with 11 nods and singer-songwriter Dionela with 10. The extensive list of nominees spans various categories, reflecting the diversity and richness of the Filipino music industry.

The Awit Awards nominations cover a wide range of categories, including Best New Artist, Producer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and genre-specific awards such as Best Ballad Recording, Best Pop Recording, and Best Rock/Metal Recording. SB19’s nominations span multiple categories, highlighting their versatility and impact.

PARI emphasized that this year’s Awit Awards represent a collective commitment to elevating Filipino music on a grand scale. The event, creatively directed by Nico Faustino and Paolo Valenciano, aims to unite artists, industry leaders, and fans for an unforgettable celebration of Filipino musical excellence.

Fans and supporters can view the full list of nominees on the official Awit Awards and Go Live Asia social media platforms. As the countdown to the awards night begins, anticipation builds for which artists and creators will take home the coveted honors at OPM’s biggest night.