The 2025 Queensland Music Awards took place in Fortitude Valley, where artists like Young Franco and Amy Shark took home top honours in a night full of pride.
Fortitude Valley Hosts Standout 2025 Queensland Music Awards Night
Fortitude Valley came alive as Queensland’s best and brightest in music gathered for the 2025 Queensland Music Awards at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane. The night spotlighted top talents across genres, drawing in artists, industry leaders and music lovers from all over the state.
Held on 25 March, the event was organised by QMusic and highlighted the depth of talent in the Queensland music scene—from emerging names to established stars.
Big Wins and Local Pride
Young Franco led the night with two major wins. His track Wake Up featuring Master Peace earned Song of the Year, which means it will be honoured with a plaque in Brunswick Street Mall. He also took home the Export Award for his global success.
Amy Shark picked up Highest Selling Single for Beautiful Eyes and Highest Selling Album for Sunday Sadness. Both achievements underline her strong fanbase and commercial reach.
Country music veteran Troy Cassar-Daley won Album of the Year for Between the Fires, recorded at his late mother’s home. This marked the first time the award was publicly voted. His daughter Jem Cassar-Daley earned the Indigenous Award for her track Big Container, making it a family milestone.
More Community Achievements
The Big Pineapple Festival was awarded Festival of the Year, while The Station SC took out Accessible Venue of the Year, showing how live music is reaching more audiences across Queensland.
Other winners included Beddy Rays (Rock), Sycco (Pop), Denvah (Country), Randy Thrill$ (Hip Hop), and Full Flower Moon Band (Blues/Roots). Lottie McLeod was named Emerging Artist of the Year, gaining well-deserved attention as a rising star.
Recognition and Reflection
Christine Anu was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, with her daughter Zipporah performing My Island Home in tribute. Anu used her moment to encourage Indigenous youth to embrace their cultural identity in creative work.
One moment that drew attention beyond music came from composer Kellee Green, whose speech sparked mixed reactions. Brisbane City Council later paused $25,000 in funding to QMusic, and Green was placed on leave from her school role. These developments, however, did not overshadow the night’s main focus on celebrating talent and community.
Published 28-March-2025
