OPM heavyweights Ely Buendia, BINI, James Reid, SB19 lead 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music nominees

 

The 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music is set to spotlight the biggest names in Original Pilipino Music (OPM), with this year’s nominees featuring a mix of established icons and rising Gen Z artists.

Among those leading the nominations are Ely Buendia, BINI, James Reid, SB19, and other prominent acts in the local music scene. The awards night will be held on June 25 at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills.

Gen Z-driven momentum is evident in several top categories, with Maki’s breakout hit “Dilaw” earning a Song of the Year nomination, while James Reid’s album “jgh” is vying for Album of the Year. Ely Buendia and TJ Monterde’s “Sariling Mundo” album is also among the contenders, alongside works from BINI and Ben&Ben.

Darren Espanto leads the Male Recording Artist of the Year category, highlighting a competitive field that includes Ice Seguerra, Inigo Pascual, Juan Karlos, Maki, Rob Deniel, and TJ Monterde.

Major Categories at a Glance

Song of the Year nominees include:

• “Dilaw” – Maki
• “Marilag” – Dionela
• “Multo” – Cup of Joe
• “Nami-miss Ko Na” – Lola Amour
• “Palagi” – TJ Monterde
• “Sa Bawat Sandali” – Amiel Sol
• “Salamin Salamin” – BINI

Album of the Year contenders:

• “jgh” – James Reid
• “Lola Amour” – Lola Amour
• “Method Adaptor” – Ely Buendia
• “MU” – Arthur Miguel
• “Sariling Mundo” – TJ Monterde
• “Talaraawan” – BINI
• “The Traveller Across Dimensions” – Ben&Ben

Strong Presence Across Major Awards

Female Recording Artist of the Year nominees include Moira dela Torre, KZ Tandingan, Klarisse De Guzman, Jayda Avanzado, and Moira dela Torre’s contemporaries in the OPM pop and ballad scene.

For Male Recording Artist of the Year, contenders include Darren Espanto, Maki, TJ Monterde, Juan Karlos, Ice Seguerra, Inigo Pascual, and Rob Deniel.

SB19, BINI, Ben&Ben, Lola Amour, Cup of Joe, and Sponge Cola dominate the Duo/Group Artist of the Year category, underscoring the continued strength of Filipino bands and idol groups in mainstream music.

Concerts, Performances, and Live Music Highlights

The Concert of the Year category features major productions such as SB19’s “Pagtatag! World Tour (Manila),” Regine Velasquez’s “Regine Rocks: The Repeat,” Gary Valenciano’s “Pure Energy: One More Time,” and TJ Monterde’s “Sariling Mundo.”

Meanwhile, Female Concert Performer of the Year includes Regine Velasquez, Julie Anne San Jose, Belle Mariano, Nina, and Pops Fernandez, among others.

Male Concert Performer of the Year features Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Juan Karlos, Ice Seguerra, Arthur Nery, and TJ Monterde.

Expansive Coverage Across Genres

The awards also recognize artists across rap, R&B, rock, acoustic, pop, and collaboration categories, with notable entries from Gloc-9, Flow G, Shanti Dope, Hev Abi, and Illest Morena in rap; and Janella Salvador, James Reid, and Klarisse De Guzman in R&B.

BINI’s “Salamin Salamin,” SB19’s “Kalakal,” and Dionela’s “Sining” also appear in Music Video of the Year, highlighting the growing influence of visually driven music releases.

A Snapshot of OPM’s Current Landscape

This year’s PMPC Star Awards nominations reflect a dynamic mix of veteran performers and emerging voices, showing the continued evolution of the Philippine music industry. From mainstream pop and ballads to rap, rock, and idol group-driven releases, the lineup underscores a broad and competitive field heading into the June 25 awards night in Greenhills.