Celebrating Boston's Musical Gems at the BMAs
Opening Act and Host's Welcome
Celtics in-arena host Melisa Valdez took the stage to kick off the show, expressing her excitement to celebrate the incredible talent in Boston. She emphasized that regardless of the outcome, being in the room was a significant achievement. Her words set the tone for the evening.Valdez's warm and enthusiastic presence immediately engaged the audience, making them feel part of something special. Her introduction laid the foundation for the night's musical journey, setting the stage for the performances to come.
Latino Heat: Yelena Rodriguez
This year's Latin Artist of the Year, Yelena Rodriguez, brought the heat with her passionate vocals and a sophisticated yet sultry energy. Salsa dancers moved behind her as she encouraged the audience to sing along with her selections by Selena. Her commanding alto and soulful delivery invigorated the crowd, creating an unforgettable moment.Rodriguez's performance was a testament to the rich diversity of Boston's music scene. Her ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level through her music was truly remarkable, leaving everyone in the venue feeling the rhythm.
Americana-Pop Harmony: Copilot
Americana-pop band Copilot performed with wholesome vibes and enchanting harmonies. They were locked into each other with an admirable emotional and musical closeness. Their performance showcased the beauty of this genre and added a touch of charm to the evening.The band's chemistry on stage was palpable, and their music had a way of transporting the audience to a different place. It was a refreshing break from the more energetic performances that followed, allowing the audience to relax and enjoy the music.
Impersonal Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony felt a bit impersonal as each name was called by a recorded voiceover paired with a slideshow on the stage's screen. While it was a fast and effective way to move through the awards, most winners didn't have their moment in the spotlight. Only a handful had the chance to give a few words onstage.This aspect of the event was a bit disappointing, as it took away from the excitement of seeing the winners celebrate their achievements. However, the quality of the performances still managed to shine through, keeping the audience engaged.
Rocking the Venue: The Ghouls
Rock artist winners The Ghouls brought some life back into the venue with thrashing guitars and whiny vocals. They ran around the stage and got the audience on their feet, creating a mosh pit that added to the energy of the night.The Ghouls' performance was a wild ride, with their raw energy and intense stage presence. They showed why they are one of the top rock acts in Boston, leaving the audience craving for more.
Music Journalism and Awards
WBUR music writer and The Museum TV creator Noble won Music Journalist of the Year, and contributor Solon Kelleher was also in the running. The announcement was followed by cheers from the audience, highlighting the importance of music journalism in the city's music scene.Noble's win was a testament to his dedication and talent in covering Boston's music scene. His work has helped to shine a light on the local artists and events, making a significant impact on the music community.
Standout Performance: Cakeswagg
Rapper Cakeswagg won Video of the Year for "Bad Bitch Link Up." Her polished performance was the standout of the night with effortless energy and a clear identity. She strutted across the stage with her backup dancers in aprons, leaning into the artist's baking theme.Cakeswagg's performance was a visual and auditory delight. Her ability to command the stage and engage the audience was evident, making her one of the most memorable acts of the night. Her gratitude towards her team showed the importance of collaboration in the music industry.
Grammy-Level Sweeps
It seems it wouldn't be the BMAs without an award sweep by a Grammy-level artist. Noah Kahan claimed Artist of the Year, Live Artist of the Year, and Folk Artist of the Year. And Clairo took Song of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year.These wins highlighted the talent and popularity of these artists, but also raised questions about the balance between local and national acts at the awards. The show has tried to reconcile this problem by dividing some categories, but it still remains a challenge.
All the Winners
Here are all the winners:Artist of the Year - Noah KahanNew Artist of the Year - Yanna GAlbum/EP of the Year (1 Million+ Streams) - Millyz, "Katrina's Son"Album/EP of the Year - Latrell James, "Running In Place"Song of the Year (1 Million+ Streams) - Clairo, "Juna"Song of the Year - kei, "Hello"Video of the Year - Cakeswagg, "Bad Bitch Link Up" ft. MARQUISE!Live Artist of the Year - Noah KahanAlt/Indie Artist of the Year - MallcopsBlues Artist of the Year - GA-20Country Artist of the Year - Other Brother DarrylDance / Electronic Artist of the Year - Rilla ForceDJ of the Year - SuperSmashBrozFolk Artist of the Year - Noah KahanHip Hop Artist of the Year - MillyzJazz Artist of the Year - Grace KellyLatin Artist of the Year - Yelena RodriguezMetal Artist of the Year - ConvergePop Artist of the Year - ClairoPunk/Hardcore Artist of the Year - RebuilderR&B Artist of the Year - Tyler LoyalReggae/Ska Artist of the Year - The ElovatersRock Artist of the Year - The GhoulsSinger-Songwriter of the Year - Alisa AmadorSpoken Word Artist of the Year - Amanda SheaVocalist of the Year - Miranda RaeMusic Night of the Year - SILK R&B PartyLive Music Venue of the Year (1000+) - RoadrunnerLive Music Venue of the Year (250+) - The SinclairLive Music Venue of the Year (Under 250) - O’Brien’s PubMusic Promoter of the Year - Crossroads PresentsTalent Buyer of the Year - Alex PickertProduction Manager of the Year - Marc PicardStage Manager of the Year - Madison HenneberryLive Audio Engineer of the Year - Brittany SiroisLighting Technician of the Year - Ryan BakerBox Office Team of the Year - Big Night LiveRecording Studio of the Year - The SoundLab Recording StudiosMusic Producer of the Year - Deevo Da GeniusStudio Engineer of the Year - Annie HoffmanSession Musician of the Year - Jonathan UlmanArtist Manager of the Year - Ceize GeminiLive Music Photographer of the Year - Brittany Rose QueenMusic Videographer of the Year - Dom ‘Tanj’ BrunoMusic Publication of the Year - Allston PuddingMusic Journalist of the Year - NobleMusic Podcast / Radio Show of the Year - Highstreet