Star Awards for Music shines spotlight on OPM’s biggest names

The brightest stars of Original Pilipino Music gathered for a night of celebration as the 17th Star Awards for Music honored outstanding achievements across the local music industry at Teatrino in San Juan.

The annual ceremony recognized artists, performers, composers and music creators whose work has made a lasting impact over the past year, highlighting the diversity and continued evolution of the OPM scene.

Among the evening’s biggest honorees was James Reid, whose album jghcaptured the coveted Album of the Year award. Singer-songwriter Maki also enjoyed a milestone night after his breakout hit Dilaw was named Song of the Year, further cementing his place as one of today’s most influential young hitmakers.

Moira Dela Torre was recognized as Female Recording Artist of the Year, adding another prestigious honor to her celebrated career. She capped off the awards night with a moving performance that drew an emotional response from the audience.

The night’s top honors also went to Ben&Ben, which was named Group/Duo Artist of the Year, while SB19 continued its dominance in the live entertainment scene by winning multiple concert-related awards.

Several memorable moments added to the celebration, including Gloc-9 presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to rap icon Andrew E, the much-awaited reunion performance of Salbakuta, and Ima Castro’s heartfelt musical tribute honoring veteran artist Celeste Legaspi.

The ceremony once again underscored the richness of Filipino music, recognizing both established icons and emerging talents who continue to shape the sound of OPM.

Complete list of winners

• Album of the Year – James Reid (jgh)

• Song of the Year – Maki (Dilaw)

• Female Recording Artist of the Year – Moira Dela Torre

• Group/Duo Artist of the Year – Ben&Ben

• Male Concert Performer of the Year – TJ Monterde (Sarili Nating Mundo Concert)

• Female Concert Performer of the Year – Regine Velasquez (Regine Rocks: The Repeat)

• Female Pop Artist of the Year – Jayda Avanzado (Right Lover, Wrong Time)

• Male Pop Artist of the Year – Maki (Dilaw)

• Pop Album of the Year – Talaarawan – BINI

• Concert of the Year – Pagtatag! World Tour (Manila) – SB19

• Duo/Group Concert Performer of the Year – SB19 (Pagtatag! World Tour)

• Music Video of the Year – Kalakal – SB19 x Gloc-9

• New Male Recording Artist of the Year – Dwayne Garcia (Taym Perst Muna)

• New Female Recording Artist of the Year – Debbie Lopez (Ang Higugmaon Ka)

• Rock Artist of the Year – Sponge Cola (Tatlong Buwan)

• Female R&B Artist of the Year – Zéla (Pogi Boy)

• Male R&B Artist of the Year – Kris Lawrence (Within)

• Female Acoustic Artist of the Year – Angela Ken (Kulimlim)

• Male Acoustic Artist of the Year – Juan Karlos (Tanga Mo Juan)

• Collaboration of the Year – Hanggang Dulo (Jos Garcia x Nolo Lopez) and Palagi (TJ Monterde x KZ Tandingan)

• Rap Album of the Year – Drugs – Shanti Dope

• Rap Artist of the Year – Illest Morena (Morenita)

• New Female Group Artist of the Year – PIX!E (Iced Coffee)

• New Male Group Artist of the Year – Five Fingers (Lakas Mo)

• Dance Recording of the Year – Say Whatcha Wanna Say (Bilib) and Salamin Salamin (BINI)

• Revival Recording of the Year – Ipagpatawad Mo – Khel Pangilinan

• Inspirational Song of the Year – Pagmamahal sa Tinubuang Lupa – Kayla Acosta, Kamilla Acosta, Enoch Casiño, Emilio David and Ephraim Maglaque