A Glamorous Night Celebrating Swiss Music
The 18th edition of the Swiss Music Awards — the largest music awards ceremony in Switzerland — lit up Zurich’s Hallenstadion with an unforgettable night filled with music, emotion, and star-studded performances. Celebrating the achievements of the past year in the Swiss music scene, the event honored both rising talents and established artists across 14 categories.
The big winner of the night was Nemo, who took home the award for Best Solo Act and also won Best Hit with the song “The Code.” Bernese cult band Patent Ochsner claimed their ninth Swiss Music Award, this time for Best Group, solidifying their legendary status. Kings Elliot was named Best Breaking Act, while the popular dialect band Dabu Fantastic won Best Live Act.
The awards also celebrated Switzerland’s linguistic diversity: Nnavy took home Best Act Romandie, and the folk trio Rusch-Büeblä was recognized as Most Rising Artist on Social Media. The title of Best Streaming Artist went once again to Stubete Gäng, highlighting their continued popularity.
Among the international winners were Billie Eilish for Best Solo Act International, Linkin Park as Best Group International, and Benson Boone with “Beautiful Things” as Best Hit International. The coveted Artist Award, chosen by Swiss artists themselves, was awarded to the genre-bending band Zeal & Ardor.
The awards show was hosted with charm and humor by Melanie Winiger and Annina Frey, and featured thrilling live performances from both Swiss and international stars. Highlights included an energetic opening medley by Trauffer, a powerful debut by Zoë Më with her unreleased track “Hamsterrad Tristesse,” and moving sets from Linda Elys, Ilira, and Milune. British band Sophie & The Giants and Michael Patrick Kelly brought international flair to the stage, while Nemo closed the night with the live premiere of “Casanova.”
The Swiss Music Awards once again proved to be not just a celebration of music, but a showcase of the vibrant and diverse talent that defines the Swiss music scene today.
