The shortlist for the 2026 Pop Culture Prize has been determined – including audience voting for the favorite song.
The prize for pop culture goes into the next round. The nominees for the 2026 edition were presented in the Berlin club “19:77” on February 5th. An independent jury of music, media and cultural professionals compiled the shortlist in ten categories from a large number of suggestions.
Now the decision lies with the members of the association for the promotion of pop culture. You will vote on the winners in the coming weeks. Voting will be opened for the first time in the “Favorite Song” category: In addition to the member vote, a public audience vote will also be included. The awards ceremony is scheduled for mid-April.
Since its launch in 2016, the price has deliberately positioned itself beyond charts and sales figures. The award recognizes artistic attitude, social relevance and innovative approaches – with particular attention to new voices and projects that advance pop culture.
Shortlist 2026: The nominees
Favorite artist/band:
- Bush.ida
- Mariybu
- Peaches
- Souly
- Wa22ermann
Most hopeful newcomer:
- Brosie
- Fanny
- FAYAN
- Border control
- Justin Hayo
Favorite producer:
- Melanie
- Novaa
- Oga Beats
- Parra for Cuva
- VAVUNETTHA
Favorite album:
- Ikkimel – CUNT
- Josi Miller – 4 STAGES OF SLEEP
- Megaloh – BLACK LOTUS
- Sophia Kennedy – SQUEEZE ME
- Souly – TRAENCE
- Tristan Brusch – IN THE BEGINNING
Most moving picture:
- Atomino Sessions Chemnitz – Martin Groß
- BABO – The Arrest Warrant Story – Sinan Sevinç & Juan Moreno
- Enno Bunger – Nobody starts a war (Hidden Session) – Nadiia Khatymlianska
- JAMEL – Loud Resistance – Martin Groß,
- Souly – mask away
Most impressive live show:
- Beatsteaks – BS30
- BHZ – PABLO FOREVER
- Fuffifufzich in the Elbphilharmonie
- Ikkimel – IKKIMEL & FRIENDS
- Nina Chuba – Arena Tour
Living pop culture:
- bangerfabrique – rap, fashion and friendship
- Kraftklub – Kieztour Reeperbahn
- Gone Out – Secret Concerts
- SchwuZ Queer Club
- Unreleased Festival
Favorite podcast:
- Thanks good. The COSMO podcast about pop and psyche
- Deep Documentary – Episode: Dream Job Music? (rbb)
- The soundtrack of my life (VISIONS)
- Kurt Krömer Feelings
- Fuck you very, very much! The Biggest Beefs in Music – Episode: Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar
Outstanding social commitment:
- Act Aware eV
- Corner Chor – Shit AfD Yodel
- Forever fresh
- Barrier-free celebration initiative
- Resist – Antifa all stars
Favorite song (member and audience voting):
- EBOW – Toxic
- FAYIM – Closer
- Ikkimel – Who’s That
- Yassin – Please be careful
- MADANii – Dast
- Peaches – Not in Your Mouth, None of Your Business
