While industry heavyweights like TJ Monterde, BINI, and SB19 lead the nominations at the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music, the annual awards also spotlight a younger wave of artists steadily shaping the sound of today’s OPM scene. 

Among the names earning recognition this year are Atasha Muhlach, Belle Mariano, Darren Espanto, Maki, FINA, and Angela Ken, reflecting the increasingly diverse roster of artists finding success across pop, P-pop, acoustic, and digital-first music spaces. 

For Atasha Muhlach, the nomination adds another milestone to her growing career as she continues expanding beyond television and hosting into music. Meanwhile, Belle Mariano once again finds herself in awards conversations after establishing a steady presence in OPM alongside her acting projects. 

Darren Espanto, one of the most recognizable names among his generation of performers, also continues his streak of industry recognition years after his breakout, proving his staying power in an increasingly competitive music landscape. 

The list likewise reflects the continued rise of streaming-era artists. Maki, whose emotionally charged songwriting has turned him into one of Gen Z’s most streamed OPM acts, landed among this year’s nominees as his music continues to resonate with younger listeners. 

Also making the cut are FINA and Angela Ken, two artists who have steadily built dedicated audiences through their distinct sounds and online-first communities. Their inclusion highlights how today’s music industry increasingly rewards artists who can connect with listeners beyond traditional platforms. 

The nominations arrive at a time when OPM is experiencing one of its strongest periods in recent memory, with established stars and emerging acts sharing space on streaming charts, festival lineups, and award show ballots alike.

Other major categories include some of our other OPM favorites such as:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

jgh – James Reid (Careless Music/Sony Music Phils.)

Lola Amour – Lola Amour (Warner Music Phils.)

Method Adaptor – Ely Buendia (Sony Music Phils. / Offshore)

MU – Arthur Miguel (Warner Music Phils)

Sariling Mundo – TJ Monterde (Cornerstone Entertainment)

Talaraawan – BINI (Star Music)

The Traveller Across Dimensions – Ben&Ben (Ben&Ben Music / Sony Music Philippines

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Dilaw” – Maki (Tarsier Records)

Composer: Ralph William Datoon, Viktor Nhiko Sabiniano

“Marilag” – Dionela (UMG Phils. /EMI Records Phils.)

Composer: Timothy “Tim” Dionela

“Multo” – Cup of Joe (Viva Records)

Composer: Raphaell Ridao, Redentor Immanuel Ridao

“Nami-miss Ko Na” – Lola Amour (Warner Music Phils.)

Composer: Raymond King, David Yuhico

“Palagi” – TJ Monterde (Cornerstone Entertainment)

Composer: Titus John Monterde

“Sa Bawat Sandali” – Amiel Sol (Ivory Music)

Composer: Amiel Sol, Miguel Haleco

“Salamin Salamin” – BINI (Star Music)

POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

II: The Second – Arthur Nery

I’m Okay – Moira dela Torre

jgh – James Reid

Lola Amour – Lola Amour

Sariling Mundo – TJ Monterde

Talaraawan – BINI

The Traveller Across Dimensions – Ben&Ben

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

“Believe” – Kyle Echarri x Illest Morena

“Hanggang Dulo” – Jos Garcia x Nolo Lopez

“Kalakal” – SB19 x Gloc-9

“Kasama” – Flow G x Chito Miranda

“Ligaw” – Jet x Jay R

“Palagi “– TJ Monterde x KZ Tandingan

“Sikulo” – Angela Ken x Maki x Nhiko

The winners of the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music will be announced on June 25 at the Teatrino Promenade in San Juan City.