The legendary British rock group Queen, American jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, and Canadian soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan received the prestigious Polar Music Prize on March 18, 2025. The announcement was made by the award's jury, which praised Queen for its distinctive and instantly recognizable sound. Established in 1970, the British band is credited with timeless classics such as "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," and "Somebody to Love."
More than 50 years after their first recordings, Queen's songs continue to resonate with audiences around the world, capturing the ears of new generations. Marie Ledin, the managing director of the Polar Music Prize, emphasized that Queen's music remains a vital component of pop culture. "There’s no one else who can imitate their unique sound," she stated during the announcement.
Hancock, known for his innovative style that blends jazz, funk, soul, and R&B, was lauded as a musical legend whose works significantly shaped the jazz genre. His iconic compositions, including "Cantaloupe Island," "Watermelon Man," and "Maiden Voyage," were highlighted as major influences that paved the way for contemporary jazz musicians.
The third recipient, Barbara Hannigan, was recognized as a pioneering force in the world of classical music. As a conductor and soprano, Hannigan has led some of the most prestigious orchestras globally—such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. Just last summer, she was named the chief conductor and artistic director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, a role she will officially take on in August 2026.
The award ceremony will take place on May 27, 2025, in Stockholm, where each laureate will receive a cash prize of one million crowns, equivalent to approximately $142,000 CAD. The Polar Music Prize, created in 1989 by the late Stig Anderson—who managed the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA—selects two to three laureates each year, celebrating both classical and contemporary musicians recognized as pioneers in their fields.
Last year’s award honored American disco legend Nile Rodgers and Finnish composer Esa-Pekka Salonen, reflecting the prize’s commitment to recognizing diverse musical talents. Past recipients include eminent figures in music such as Iggy Pop, Paul McCartney, Grandmaster Flash, Metallica, and Bob Dylan.
The Polar Music Prize is often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Music," highlighting its prestigious nature in the global music community. Each recipient is celebrated not only for their individual contributions but also for the way they have inspired and shaped the musical landscape.
As the winner's list continues to grow, the impact of these artists on the industry and their enduring legacies are solidified. With their varied musical styles and boundless creativity, Queen, Hancock, and Hannigan exemplify the profound influence music can have across generations and genres. Their recognition by the Polar Music Prize serves as a testament to their remarkable careers and the artistic boundaries they continue to push.
