A musician performs at the Polaris Music Prize award ceremony in Toronto on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
September 16, 2025 - 1:00 AM
TORONTO — Albums from 10 critically acclaimed Canadian acts will compete for the Polaris Music Prize tonight.
The winner of the $30,000 award for best homegrown album is chosen by an 11-person jury, irrespective of genre or sales.
Organizers say they lowered the 2025 cash prize from the $50,000 handed out in recent years because several sponsors reduced their financial contributions.
Among this year's contenders are several prominent artists, including Toronto-raised contemporary folk-poet Mustafa, Toronto-based alt-pop singer Nemahsis and Montreal electronic experimentalist Marie Davidson.
The Quebec nominees include singer-songwriter Lou-Adriane Cassidy, indie pop pair Bibi Club and psychedelic rockers Population II.
The other contenders are Montreal-based Yves Jarvis, Anishinaabe-led Montreal duo Ribbon Skirt, Toronto punk outfit the OBGMs and soul-pop artist Saya Gray.
The Polaris will be handed out tonight during a concert showcase held at Toronto’s Massey Hall. The gala is set to be hosted by 2019 winner Haviah Mighty.
This year, organizers will also introduce a $10,000 Polaris Song Prize, with the winner to be announced just before the album of the year is named.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2025.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2025