The Swiss Music Awards will be held on May 28, 2025, at the Hallenstadion Zurich, showcasing the best in Swiss music talent. This year, the competition is fierce, with popular acts like Nemo, Patent Ochsner, and the Stubete Gäng vying for top honors.
Nemo, the ESC star, is a standout this year, receiving four nominations, including Best Solo Act National, Best Streaming Artist, Best Hit for his track "The Code," and Most Rising Artist Social Media. His song "The Code" has already garnered significant attention, with over 100 million streams, making him a strong contender in multiple categories.
In the Best Solo Act National category, Nemo faces competition from rapper Manillio and house DJ Raffa Guido. While both have their merits, they are considered underdogs against Nemo's established popularity. Raffa Guido, known for his unique blend of Afro, Latin, and deep house music, has high streaming numbers but remains relatively unknown in the broader music scene.
The Best Group category promises to be a highlight of the evening, featuring the renowned Swiss band Patent Ochsner, who has won eight Swiss Music Awards in the past. They are challenged by the Stubete Gäng, the most streamed band in Switzerland last year, and Heimweh, the country's most successful men's choir. With around 130 concerts played last year, the Stubete Gäng has made a significant impact on the Swiss music scene.
Patent Ochsner is also nominated for Best Live Act, where they will compete against rising stars Joya Marleen and Dabu Fantastic. This nomination adds to the band's accolades, as they were recognized as Best Live Act in 2024. The excitement continues in the Best Streaming Artist category, where Patent Ochsner, Stubete Gäng, and Nemo will battle for supremacy.
In the Best Hit category, Nemo's "The Code" will compete against Raffa Guido's "Famax" and Linda Elys' "House On Fire." Both "Famax" and "House On Fire" have also achieved over 100 million streams, with Linda Elys' track being the most played Swiss song on the radio in 2024.
Nemo is not the only rising star this year. He is nominated alongside rapper Gigi and the Ländler trio Rusch-Büeblä for Most Rising Artist Social Media. This category reflects the growing influence of social media in the music industry, a trend that has gained traction since its introduction last year.
The Best Breaking Act category features Kings Elliot, Jule X, and Mundart artist Andryy, all of whom have made significant strides in their careers. Kings Elliot, often referred to as the "master of melancholy," is seen as a frontrunner in this category.
Meanwhile, the Best Talent category is highly competitive, with nominees Ilira, Linda Elys, and Milune all bringing unique styles to the table. Ilira, with 1.6 million monthly streaming listeners and numerous awards, has made a name for herself in the pop world. Linda Elys has successfully balanced pop and folk, while Milune has showcased her talents in concerts across major cities like Paris, New York, and Los Angeles.
To celebrate the diversity of Switzerland's musical regions, the Best Act Romandie category includes R&B singer Nnavy, French-Swiss rapper Rounhaa, and the noise-rock band Coilguns, which has established itself in the European metal underground scene.
The Artist Award, a special honor determined by Swiss musicians, recognizes outstanding artistic contributions. This year, nominees include the internationally acclaimed metal band Zeal & Ardor, the Mundart band Dachs, and R&B singer Nnavy.
On the international front, the Swiss Music Awards will also recognize global talent. Notable nominees for Best Solo Act International include pop megastar Taylor Swift, visionary Billie Eilish, and rising star Benson Boone. In the Best Group International category, iconic bands Coldplay and Linkin Park face off against the innovative duo Future & Metro Boomin.
The Best Breaking Act International category features Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, and Gracie Abrams, all of whom have made significant impacts in the music industry. Boone's "Beautiful Things" and Swims' "Lose Control" have each surpassed 2 billion streams, showcasing their widespread appeal. Meanwhile, British artist Artemas has achieved a megahit with "I Like The Way You Kiss Me," amassing over 1.5 billion streams.
The voting for the Swiss Music Awards is now open on their official homepage, allowing fans to have their say in who should take home the coveted Betonklötze. The awards ceremony promises to be a night of celebration, recognition, and entertainment, highlighting the incredible talent within Switzerland and beyond.
As the Swiss Music Awards approach, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable evening, celebrating both established artists and newcomers alike. With a diverse array of nominees and categories, the event will showcase the vibrant music scene that Switzerland has to offer.
