A musician performs at the Polaris Music Prize award ceremony in Toronto on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022.
Ten Canadian artists will take centre stage at Toronto’s Massey Hall tonight, competing for the Polaris Music Prize. The $30,000 award honours the best Canadian album of the year, chosen strictly on artistic merit — not genre, popularity, or sales.
An 11-member jury of critics and music experts will decide the winner. The gala, hosted by 2019 Polaris winner Haviah Mighty, doubles as a live concert showcase featuring performances from several nominees.
Prize Amount Reduced Amid Sponsorship Cuts
The Polaris, long regarded as one of Canada’s top cultural prizes, comes with a smaller purse this year. Organizers confirmed the award dropped from $50,000 to $30,000 after some sponsors reduced financial backing.
A Diverse List of Finalists
The 2025 finalists reflect Canada’s diverse soundscape. Folk poet Mustafa, alt-pop singer Nemahsis, and experimental electronic artist Marie Davidson are among the frontrunners.
Quebec is well-represented by singer-songwriter Lou-Adriane Cassidy, indie-pop duo Bibi Club, and psychedelic rock band Population II. Montreal’s Yves Jarvis also made the list, alongside Anishinaabe-led duo Ribbon Skirt.
Rounding out the lineup are Toronto punk outfit the OBGMs and genre-bending soul-pop artist Saya Gray.
A Night of Music and Recognition
The winner will be revealed during a live gala at Massey Hall, which doubles as a concert showcase featuring performances from several of the nominees. Haviah Mighty, the celebrated rapper who claimed the Polaris Prize in 2019, will host the evening.
Over the years, the Polaris has launched careers, introduced bold new sounds, and sparked conversations about the value of music beyond sales charts.
New Song Prize Introduced
For the first time, organizers will also present the Polaris Song Prize, a $10,000 honour recognizing a standout track. The winner will be revealed during the gala just before the Album of the Year announcement.
Spotlight on Canadian Talent
Since its inception in 2006, the Polaris Music Prize has built a reputation for championing innovation and creativity over commercial success. Many past winners have gone on to international acclaim, with the award shining a light on Canada’s rich and evolving music culture.
As the finalists prepare to perform before a packed hall, anticipation is high. For the artists, the prize represents not only recognition but also a platform to amplify their voices on one of the nation’s biggest music stages.
