Regine Velasquez leads star-studded winners at the 17th Star Awards for Music

Regine Velasquez, SB19, Moira, Ben&Ben dominate Star Awards for Music winners list.

The biggest names in Original Pilipino Music gathered under one roof as the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) honored the industry’s finest during the 17th Star Awards for Music held at the Teatrino in Greenhills on June 25.

Leading this year’s winners were Regine Velasquez, Ben&Ben, James Reid, Jayda Avanzado, and Moira dela Torre, who emerged among the night’s top honorees in recognition of their outstanding achievements in recording, live performance, and artistic excellence.

Moira Dela Torre was named Female Recording Artist of the Year for “San Ka Na” (UMG Philippines), while TJ Monterde earned Male Recording Artist of the Year for “Sariling Mundo” (PolyEast Records). Ben&Ben won Duo/Group Recording Artist of the Year for “The Traveller Across Dimensions” (Sony Music Philippines), while James Reid’s “jgh” (Careless Music/Sony Music Philippines) was crowned Album of the Year.

One of the year’s biggest breakthrough songs, “Dilaw” by Maki, was named Song of the Year. The hit, composed by Ralph William Datoon and Viktor Nhiko Sabiniano, has become one of the most celebrated OPM releases of the past year.

Live performance winners

The live performance categories highlighted the artists who captivated audiences on stage. Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez received Female Concert Performer of the Year for “Regine Rocks: The Repeat,” reaffirming her status as one of the country’s premier concert performers. TJ Monterde added another accolade after winning Male Concert Performer of the Year for his successful “Sarili Nating Mundo Concert.”

P-pop sensation SB19 dominated the concert and performance categories, taking home Concert of the Year for “Pagtatag! World Tour” (Manila), Duo/Group Concert Performer of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for “Kalakal” featuring Gloc-9.

Across the recording categories, Jayda Avanzado was recognized as Female Pop Artist of the Year, while Maki secured Male Pop Artist of the Year honors. BINI’s “Talaarawan” was named Pop Album of the Year.

Other genre winners included Sponge Cola as Rock Artist of the Year, Zéla as Female R&B Artist of the Year, Kris Lawrence as Male R&B Artist of the Year, Angela Ken as Female Acoustic Artist of the Year, and Juan Karlos as Male Acoustic Artist of the Year.

Celebrating emerging talents

The awards also celebrated the industry’s emerging talents. Dwayne Garcia and Debbie Lopez won New Male Recording Artist of the Year and New Female Recording Artist of the Year, respectively, while PIX!E and Five Fingers were recognized as New Female Group Artist of the Year and New Male Group Artist of the Year.

The Collaboration of the Year category ended in a tie between “Hanggang Dulo” by Jos Garcia and Nolo Lopez, and “Palagi” by TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan. Another tie occurred in the Dance Recording of the Year category, with BINI’s “Salamin Salamin” sharing the honor with Bilib’s “Say Whatcha Wanna Say.”

Among the evening’s most emotional moments was the presentation of the Pilita Corrales Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran singer-actress Celeste Legaspi and rap icon Andrew E. for their invaluable contributions to the Philippine music industry. Both recipients delivered heartfelt acceptance speeches, with Andrew E. reflecting on the struggles and rejections he endured before achieving success.

Veteran music executive Mon del Rosario was honored with the Parangal Levi Celerio Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to the continued growth of OPM, while veteran band Rainmakers received the Mga Natatanging Alagad ng Musikang Pilipino Award in recognition of their lasting impact on Filipino music as they celebrate their golden years in the industry.

Beyond the winners’ circle

The celebration extended beyond the winners’ circle as Moira Dela Torre was named Female Star of the Night, Dylan Menor received Male Star of the Night honors, while Jayda Avanzado and James Reid were recognized as Female Celebrity of the Night and Male Celebrity of the Night, respectively. SB19’s passionate fanbase also earned the Playtime Fan Award for its unwavering support of the group.

More than an awards ceremony, the 17th Star Awards for Music served as a celebration of Original Pilipino Music’s enduring legacy honoring legendary performers, recognizing today’s biggest stars, and welcoming a new generation of artists shaping the future of the Philippine music industry.

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