As the music world turns its eyes to Nashville, excitement is reaching a fever pitch for the upcoming ceremony of the Josie Music Awards, scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the historic Grand Ole Opry House.
This year promises to be particularly special: the event marks a major celebration of independent artistry across genres, with finalists from Hip Hop to R&B, Pop to Jazz/Blues, and Country walking the red carpet against the backdrop of music legend.
Ben Bacardi earns a nomination in the Song of the Year – Hip Hop category for his track “Life Again”.
Coming from Queens with a fresh perspective in hip hop, his nomination signals how the Josie Awards continue to expand their genre range and acknowledge voices beyond mainstream channels. His presence adds hip hop flavor to a ceremony that has often been dominated by country, folk, and Americana—and that promises a broadened horizon this year.
Gina Zollman is nominated for Vocalist of the Year – Adult Contemporary.
With an elegant voice and expressive delivery, Zollman represents the adult contemporary genre within the independent space—a category that often gets less spotlight in major award events but is central here. Her nomination speaks to the breadth of the Josies and how they celebrate both the emerging and the seasoned across style boundaries.
Irene Michaels is a dual presence this year—both a nominee in multiple categories and a presenter at the awards ceremony.
She made waves as a winner at the Josies in 2023, securing Best Pop Song. Her return in 2025, taking the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House as a presenter, underlines her status as an influencer in the indie world. Having someone who has previously triumphed turn to the role of presenter brings full circle the ethos of the Josies: recognizing talent, and then, enabling that talent to give back.
Quinn Lemley is nominated for Vocalist of the Year – Jazz/Blues.
With a background spanning Broadway-style performance to international jazz clubs, Lemley brings a unique flavor to this year’s lineup. Her nomination signals the Josies’ commitment to genres outside mainstream pop or country—and highlights the rich tapestry of independent music.
This year’s Josie Music Awards feels bigger than ever. The excitement has been building for months, and the energy surrounding the Grand Ole Opry House is electric. It’s not just another ceremony—it’s a celebration of independence, artistry, and perseverance. From pop to hip hop, jazz to adult contemporary, the scope of this year’s nominees makes it one of the most inclusive and musically diverse Josie Awards to date.
The reach of the event continues to expand, pulling in voices from across genres and generations. Ben Bacardi brings hip hop into the spotlight with his nomination for “Life Again,” adding a bold urban rhythm to the stage. Gina Zollman’s nomination in Adult Contemporary showcases her powerful, elegant voice and her ability to move audiences through sheer emotional clarity. Irene Michaels, who took home honors at last year’s ceremony, returns not only as a nominee but also as a presenter, symbolizing the evolution from rising artist to established star within the Josie family. Quinn Lemley, with her vibrant jazz and theatrical flair, adds a note of timeless sophistication to the mix, showing how the awards continue to embrace artistry in all its forms.
The grandeur of the Grand Ole Opry House gives this year’s show a deeper sense of legacy and importance. Known as the sacred stage of country music, it now opens its doors to the full spectrum of independent sound—where pop, jazz, and hip hop share equal billing with folk and Americana. That intersection of worlds makes this ceremony more than a showcase; it’s a unifying event where boundaries blur and talent reigns.
Having past winners like Irene Michaels step into the role of presenter connects the threads between old and new, offering inspiration to those walking the red carpet for the first time. It’s a reminder that success at the Josies isn’t fleeting—it’s part of an ongoing story that builds year after year.
As the night approaches, anticipation continues to rise. The performances, the reunions, the red-carpet magic—every part of this year’s awards feels alive with possibility. The 2025 Josie Music Awards aren’t just honoring the best in independent music—they’re proving that the independent world has never shone brighter.
The official website for The Josie Music Awards may be found at https://www.josiemusicawards.com
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