The Origins Impact Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work is making a meaningful difference across the music industry. Our awards celebrate impact in all its forms—from artistry and leadership to innovation, entrepreneurship, mentorship, advocacy, and community service. Rather than recognizing popularity alone, the Origins Impact Awards honor those whose work helps move music and the people within it forward.

Nominees may include individuals, groups, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations whose work has created meaningful impact within the music industry or the communities they serve. Eligibility requirements may vary by category.

No. While Origins Music Group has deep roots in Country Music, the Origins Impact Awards recognize excellence and impact across the broader music industry. Several awards recognize achievements within specific genres, while many categories are open to professionals working across all areas of music.

The Origins Impact Awards are built on a simple belief: Success is important. Impact is transformational. We recognize individuals whose work creates opportunity, strengthens communities, advances the music industry, inspires others, and leaves a lasting difference. Commercial success may be part of a nominee's story, but it is never the only measure of recognition.

The Origins Impact Awards follow a structured, independent process designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity.The process begins with nominations submitted for consideration across the award categories. Eligible nominations are reviewed and evaluated by the Origins Screening Committee, which determines the finalists based on established criteria for each category.Once finalists are announced, voting opens to approved members of the Origins Voting Academy. Academy members cast their votes to determine the winners in each category.Following the close of voting, all ballots are submitted to an independent attorney for verification and certification to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the results.No Origins Music Group staff member determines or selects the winners. The results are determined through an independent voting process, with final certification conducted by legal counsel.Winners will be officially announced on November 19, 2026, at the Origins Impact Awards at Woolworth Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee.

Every nomination undergoes a structured evaluation process designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and integrity. Eligible nominations are independently reviewed by experienced music industry professionals using published evaluation standards before recipients are selected. To protect the integrity of the awards, specific evaluation procedures and scoring methodologies remain confidential.

Yes. Self-nominations are welcome unless otherwise noted within a specific award category.

Absolutely. Friends, fans, colleagues, organizations, companies, and members of the public are encouraged to recognize individuals whose work deserves greater visibility. To nominate, you must be an active member of the Origins Music Group Community. To become a member follow this link.

Evaluators consider the overall impact of a nominee's work. While each category has its own criteria, evaluators generally look for evidence of: • Meaningful contribution • Professional excellence • Leadership • Innovation • Service • Positive influence • Continued growth and momentum

No. The Origins Impact Awards recognize impact—not popularity. Many deserving individuals make extraordinary contributions without receiving widespread public recognition. Our goal is to celebrate those whose work truly makes a difference.

Achievements may include: • Artistic accomplishments • Leadership • Mentorship • Community engagement • Advocacy • Entrepreneurship • Innovation • Industry service • Educational initiatives • Opportunity creation Every category values meaningful contribution appropriate to that profession.

The Origins Impact Awards recognize excellence across multiple disciplines within the music industry. Current categories include: Artist of the Year Recognizes an artist whose work demonstrates excellence, growth, and meaningful impact. Emerging Artist of the Year Recognizes an artist showing exceptional promise, momentum, and contribution early in their career. Duo or Group of the Year Recognizes outstanding collaboration and collective impact. Songwriter of the Year Recognizes excellence in songwriting and meaningful contribution through written works. Producer of the Year Recognizes exceptional creative leadership and impact in music production. Executive of the Year Recognizes leadership that strengthens artists, organizations, and the music industry. Creator of the Year Recognizes content creators, media professionals, photographers, videographers, journalists, influencers, and storytellers whose work positively impacts music and culture. DJ of the Year Recognizes DJs whose work elevates artists, connects audiences, and strengthens music communities. Innovative Project of the Year Recognizes a project, initiative, campaign, or event that advances music through creativity and innovation. Best Collaborative Effort Recognizes an outstanding partnership that created meaningful results through collaboration. Origins Community Champion Recognizes individuals or organizations whose leadership and service have created lasting positive impact within the music industry or the communities they serve. Genre Awards Recognizes excellence and impact within specific musical genres, celebrating artists who are helping shape and advance their respective musical communities.

Score each nominee from 0–10 in Impact, Excellence, Industry Contribution and Innovation. Use the full scale and base your scores on the information and work you reviewed.

Yes. Select Save as Draft if you need more time to research or finish your evaluation. When you're finished, mark it Complete and save.

Do not screen your own nomination or work you're directly involved with. Skip that nomination and continue to the next one.

Yes. The nomination is your starting point. If you need additional context to make an informed evaluation, review the nominee's website, work and other relevant information. For Song of the Year, listen to the nominated song.

All screening must be completed by October 5, 2026.

The Screening Committee is a group of music industry professionals selected by Origins Music Group to review eligible nominations and determine the finalists for the Origins Impact Awards. Members are chosen based on their professional experience, knowledge of the music industry, and ability to evaluate nominees fairly and independently. The committee represents different areas of the industry to help ensure the finalist selection process reflects a range of professional perspectives.

The Origins Voting Academy is the body of approved music industry professionals responsible for voting to determine the winners of the Origins Impact Awards. Individuals must apply to become Voting Academy members and are reviewed by Origins Music Group based on their professional experience and current or demonstrated involvement in the music industry. Only approved Voting Academy members are eligible to cast ballots in the Impact Awards.