IT’S TIME! Today is the day! The registration period for the 2026 WAMI Awards is officially OPEN. Now’s your chance to be part of Wisconsin’s premier music celebration.
Whether you’re submitting your own work or nominating someone who inspires you, here’s everything you need to get started:
KEY DETAILS
Registration Period
Open now—WAMI Wednesday, November 19, 2025—until 11:59 PM on January 31, 2026.
Do I need to be a WAMI member to participate or win an award?
No. WAMI membership isn’t required to nominate, register, or even win.
If you were nominated by someone else or registered yourself last year, the WAMI Board has carried your nomination/registration forward — except for the categories below, which require fresh submissions each year:
There is an exception for these categories:
Album of the Year
Album Artwork of the Year
New Artist of the Year
Rising Star of the Year
Song of the Year
Video of the Year
How to Participate
👉 Register Here to add yourself, your band, venue, club, or your work (album, song, video, artwork) to the 2026 WAMI Awards consideration.
https://wami.org/2026-award-show-registration-nominations-now-open/
FAQs
Can I nominate someone else?
Absolutely! You can nominate a name, band, club, or venue for recognition.
What do I need to submit a nomination or registration?
You’ll need the name of the artist, band, club, or venue you’re nominating, plus their email address.
Who can submit works like songs, albums, videos, or artwork?
Only the artist or their team can submit works for these categories.
Do I need to be a WAMI member to participate or win an award?
No. WAMI membership isn’t required to nominate, register, or even win.
As we begin this year’s awards cycle, we want to clarify an important distinction that often causes confusion:
Nomination vs. Registration — What’s the Difference?
Nomination:
Someone else submits your name, band, club, venue, or project for a category. It’s simply a recommendation.
Registration:
Registration is the official step that enters you or your organization into the awards process. You, your team, or your representative can register your name, band, venue, club, or work to ensure it appears on the ballot once voting begins.
Important:
Many Wisconsin artists and venues aren’t aware that they must register to be included in the voting pool.
If you have someone’s email address — and their permission — you may register on their behalf.
They will receive one email notification that they’ve been registered, with the option to decline if they prefer not to participate.
Why Registration Matters
✔ Ensures you are included when voting opens
✔ Allows you to confirm or correct the category you’re placed in
✔ Gives artists, venues, industry members, and supporters full visibility in their field
✔ Helps WAMI accurately represent Wisconsin’s diverse music landscape
Registration only takes a few minutes and ensures your work is properly recognized.
Thank you for being part of Wisconsin’s vibrant and creative music community. We look forward to celebrating you!
With appreciation,
The WAMI Board of Directors