SUBMISSION AREA

LET'S MAKE HISTORY!

NOMINATION PROCESS

• The Nomination Recommendation from the ABGMA Selection Committee does not give proposed Entrant an automatic placement as an official Nominee. 
• Each member is able to submit at minimum one (3) or a maximum of five (5) entries per Category in area of expertise only. Complete the required information for each entrant.
• At the end of the Submission period all entries will be reviewed. [Deadline to Submit all Entries is February 28th 2026 at 11:59 AST/ET | 10:59 CT | 4:59 GMT].
•  The Executive and Entry Verification Board will then review all submissions. Entries with the highest percentage scores will advance for the 1st Ballot for Nomination Consideration. This will occur between March 1st - March 15th 2026.
• ABGMA Academy Members will then cast ballots in the category of their expertise with the Top 10 1st Ballot Nominees. ​​
• Top 5-7 Entries with highest averages will advance as Official Finalists for the respective categories.

SUBMISSION RANKING GUIDELINES 

LYRICS: 30%

• Structure and development of the theme, message
• Appeal and cultural relevance.
• Rhyming and mastery in use of poetic expression, storytelling, coherence to the theme of the song.​

COMPOSITION: 30%

• Overall music arrangement, harmony, melody.
• How well each element of the music flow together; dynamics, tones and frequencies.
• Longevity and timelessness of the composition. Does the song have enduring qualities in regards to maintaining relevance in the future.
• Skill and expressiveness of the vocals, range, tone, dynamics, articulation and control.
• Authenticity to the genre
• Creativity, craftsmanship and overall artistic vision.

PRODUCTION: 20%

• Quality of the mix. How well balanced is the production overall.
• Balance in quality, clarity and richness of the mix.
• Precision, accuracy and skill in instrumentation and vocal execution.

PRESENCE AND IMPACT: 20%

​

1. Impact and visibility within the past year : Reach and influence of the nominee’s work within the eligibility period, including audience engagement, public presence, media exposure, and relevance within their field over the past year.
2. Consistency and professionalism :  Ability to deliver quality work reliably while maintaining professional standards, ethical conduct, and credibility in their interactions, output, and representation of their industry.
3. Cultural and industry contribution : The extent to which the nominee has positively influenced, advanced, or strengthened their culture or industry through leadership, innovation, mentorship, or meaningful contributions beyond personal success.

Nomination Recommendation

Click on the button below to make your nominations. Thank you so much!

IGA NOMINATION