The judging panel for this year’s Youth Music Awards in association with Hal Leonard Europe has been revealed today. This year's ceremony will take place at Wednesday 15th October at the iconic London venue, Troxy. 

Now in its sixth year, the Youth Music Awards shines a spotlight on the most inspiring projects, people and sounds emerging from the grassroots youth music scene, whilst also raising awareness of the bleak outlook of the sector, which is currently at breaking point. 

A central part of this year’s Awards is Youth Music’s ongoing ‘Rescue the Roots’ fundraising campaign.  The campaign is a call to arms from Youth Music to individuals and organisations who care passionately about saving and protecting young people’s music to donate what they can. The charity is match funding from its reserves every pound raised up to £1 million, to secure a total of £2 million in the first phase. 

This year’s panel features more than 70 judges from across the music spectrum - including globally renowned artists, DJs, broadcasters, producers, publicists, managers and other industry figures. Among those lending their voices to the judging process are: 

• Tinie Tempah: Award-winning rapper, entrepreneur and philanthropist known for hits like Pass Out and Written in the Stars.
• I. JORDAN: Acclaimed DJ and producer celebrated for their genre-defying electronic sound and high-energy performances.
• Ellie Dixon: Alt-pop singer-songwriter and TikTok star whose witty, genre-blending tracks have captured a global audience.
• Jodie Bryant: Youth Music Ambassador, broadcaster and champion of new music, known for hosting live showcases and spotlighting emerging artists.
• Jess Iszatt: Youth Music Ambassador, BBC Introducing presenter with a deep passion for breaking new talent.
• Maia Beth: BBC Radio 1 DJ and tastemaker, known for supporting underground and alternative music scenes.
• Abbie McCarthy: BBC Introducing presenter, festival host and founder of Good Karma Club, spotlighting future stars.
• Fee Mak: BBC 1Xtra presenter and voice for the next generation of UK music talent.

The judges reviewed entries across seven music categories, submitted by talented participants from Youth Music funded projects and the Youth Music NextGen Fund - a unique initiative that helps early-stage creatives take their first steps into the industry on and off stage.

Youth Music CEO, Matt Griffiths, said: “We’re proud to once again see such a passionate and diverse group of judges supporting this year’s awards. Their commitment to shining a light on emerging talent is what helps make these awards so powerful and we can’t wait to showcase the shortlist soon.”

Oliver Winstone, Head of Business Development at Hal Leonard Europe, said: “We’re really proud to be supporting the Youth Music Awards again this year. Our long-standing partnership with Youth Music remains a meaningful part of our mission, and it’s always a highlight to come together with industry peers to celebrate the incredible creativity, commitment, and boundary-pushing musical talent and grassroots projects that this event brings to the spotlight.”

Singer songwriter and Youth Music Awards judge, Ellie Dixon, said: “I’m honoured to be part of the judging panel this year. I started out in cafes, pubs, and local radio shows, supported by grassroots organisations dedicated to lifting up emerging artists. We wouldn’t have anything without grassroots music. It’s the birth of the industry. I wouldn’t have a career without that infrastructure, so it means a lot to be able to be part of the process of uplifting others. I was deeply impressed by the talent across the awards this year and am excited to see where they go from here.”

The Youth Music Awards is made possible thanks to support from a range of sponsors and partners across the music, fashion and creative sectors.