The 2025 BCMA Winners & Nominees

Kezia Gill snags Entertainer of the Year for 5 In A Row
Jake O’Neill Wins Single of the Year & Male Vocalist
Jade Helliwell lands UK Album/ EP of the Year & Female Vocalist

In Brief:

2025 BCMA Awards Winners...
Photographer of the Year – Michelle Fredericks
Festival of the Year – The Long Road
Radio Station of the Year – Absolute Country
Radio Presenter of the Year – Bob Harris
UK Album of the Year – Jade Helliwell – How Love Goes
Male Vocalist of the Year – Jake O’Neill
Duo/Trio of the Year – The Shires
Musician of the Year – Luke Thomas
Female Vocalist of the Year – Jade Helliwell
UK Single of the Year – Jake O’Neill – Taste of Us
Horizon Artist – Rob Wheeler
Band of the Year – First Time Flyers
International Single of the Year – Lainey Wilson – 4x4xU
International Album of the Year – Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind
Entertainer of the Year – Kezia Gill
 
The BCMA (British Country Music Association) Awards 2025 and Showcase recently took place, celebrating UK country music talent with awards for artists like Jade Helliwell (Female Vocalist, Album of Year) and Jake O'Neill (Male Vocalist, Single of Year), alongside industry honors for The Long Road (Festival) and Absolute Country Radio (Radio Station), with performances by rising stars at the Showcase.
The event highlighted: “a thriving UK country scene, recognizing both performers and behind-the-scenes contributors, with key winners announced on social media”.
Winners were announced at the British Country Music Association Awards Night on Saturday 4th January 2026 at The Cavern Club, Liverpool (Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE; Tickets: £40.00 / £30.00 for BCMA members)
 
Previously the BCMA announced a “stellar lineup” for the awards show:  
The BCMA Awards honoured the artists, songwriters, and industry champions shaping the UK country scene—while the BCMA Showcase brings a fresh wave of talent to the iconic stage.
Live Performances From:
Rob Wheeler – emotive, cinematic country storytelling (check our interview with Rob)
Nick Edwards – heartfelt vocals with national acclaim
Jake O’Neill – rising star with a soulful edge
BCMA Showcase Artists:
Lisa T – vibrant, genre-blending energy
Rhiannon Paige – introspective and bold (Interview)
Liam Price – smooth vocals and sharp songwriting
Bronnie – pop-punk meets country flair
Niamh Beatrix – ethereal tones and lyrical depth
Nathan Taylor – classic country with a modern twist

This year’s Industry Panel was made up of members from the following organisations:
Absolute Country, Avondale Radio, BBC Radio 2, CMR Nashville, Country Music Social Media, Country Music UK, CountryLine Radio, Cumbrae Promotions, Fortyfive Vinyl Café, Honkytonk Collective, Lil’ Nashville, Live in the Living Room, Login Lounge, PRS 4 Music & Rodeo’s BBQ
 
BCMA Members/ Sponsors/ Partners HERE
Meet The Team: BJ Thomas, Jeanne Jordan (Secretary), Wayne Hadlow (President), Lee Wiilliams (Director), Ethan Allen (Director), Beau Fuller (Sponsorship/ Artist Development), Paul Taylor (Interviewer/ Media Team)
BCMA MEMBER ARTISTS: HERE

The 2025 BCMA Winners & Nominees

 
UK Single of the Year
For Country songs released by UK artists (either separately or on an album or EP) within the eligibility period.
Jake O’Neill – Taste Of Us * WINNER *,
Kezia Gill – This Perfect Night
Rhiannon Paige – The Story is Mine
Ryan Evans – Rode With Me
Twinnie – Hypothetically
 
UK Album/ EP of the Year
For Country albums released by UK artists within the eligibility period (1 July 2024 - June 30, 2025) (5 tracks or more will constitute an Album)
Jade Helliwell – HOW LOVE GOES * WINNER *
Katy Hurt – GIMME A BREAK
Rob Wheeler – LEAVE TOMORROW
Robyn Red – FROM CALEDONIA, WITH LOVE
Sarah Louise – SUNFLOWER
 
UK Radio Station of the Year
Absolute Country * WINNER *, Countryline, Radio 2, Smooth Country, UK Country Radio
 
UK Group/ Band of the Year
For a UK act made up of 3 (or more) members who have had an exemplary year based on overall recognition and activity whether through album, song, radio airplay, publicity, touring, or other criteria within the eligibility period.
First Time Flyers * WINNER *
Jackson Line
Morganway
The Bondurants
Wood Burnt Red
 
UK Entertainer of the Year
For UK artists who have had an exemplary year based on overall recognition and activity whether through album, song, radio airplay, publicity, touring, or other criteria within the eligibility period
Kezia Gill * WINNER *, Jake O’Neill, Ryan Evans, Jade Helliwell, Outpost Drive
 
UK Duo of the Year
Outpost Drive, The Shires * WINNER *, The Wandering Hearts, Two Ways Home, Ward Thomas
 
UK Radio Presenter of the Year
Bob Harris – BBC Radio 2 * WINNER *, Dom Crook – Country Chat with Dom, Harry Colley – Mix 56, Madeline Christy – Phoenix 98 FM, Matt Clewes – 65 Country
 
UK Male Vocalist
For a UK male artist (s) who have had an exemplary year based on overall singing performance whether through album, song, radio airplay, publicity, touring, or other criteria within the eligibility period.
Chris Andreucci, Gary Quinn, Jake O’Neill * WINNER *, Luke Flear, Ryan Evans
 
UK Female Vocalist
For a UK female artist(s) who have had an exemplary year based on overall singing performance whether through album, song, radio airplay, publicity, touring, or other criteria within the eligibility period.
Jade Helliwell * WINNER *, Kezia Gill, Rhiannon Paige, Robyn Red, Twinnie
 
UK Musician of the Year
Cristiano Pochesci, Chuck Watson, Luke Thomas * WINNER *, Peter Gebbie, Tyler Spicer
 
UK Photographer of the Year
Chris Mitchell, Danny Coffill-Brown (DC Brown Live), Jill Gibbons (Little Ninja), Michelle Fredricks * WINNER *, Saskia Jo (Shot by Sass)
 
International Single of the Year
For Country singles released in the UK by international artists (either separately or on an album or EP) within the eligibility period – award given primarily to the artist with writers also acknowledged.
Alyssa Bonagura – Old Piano
Hayley Jensen – Giddy Up Cowboy
Jeremy McComb – Laying Low
Jessica Lynn – 16 Miles
Lainey Wilson – 4x4xU * WINNER *
 
International Album of the Year
For Country albums released in the UK by international artists within the eligibility period.
Ella Langley – HUNGOVER
Jessica Lynn – ALL MY OWN
Lainey Wilson – WHIRLWIND * WINNER *
Morgan Wallen – I’M THE PROBLEM
Post Malone – F-1 TRILLION
 
Best Original UK Festival
For UK festivals that predominantly showcase and promote original UK Country artists.
Blackdeer, British Country Music Festival, Buckle and Boots, Country 2 Country, The Long Road * WINNER *
 
AI Overview
Key Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Period: For the 2025 BCMA Awards, the relevant work (singles, albums, etc.) must have been first released or reached peak national prominence during the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
BCMA Membership:
Nominations (First Round Public Vote): The initial nomination phase is open to the public, meaning anyone (members and non-members) can suggest artists and works for consideration.
Voting (Later Stages): The final voting process is conducted by BCMA members, who are industry professionals, artists, and fans.
Categories: Artists are eligible for specific categories such as UK Male/Female Vocalist, UK Entertainer, UK Band, UK Musician, UK Album, and UK Single of the Year.
Video Submissions: For the Music Video of the Year award, the video must be an original country music video, not more than 10 minutes in length, and first released in its entirety during the eligibility period. 
How Nominations & Voting Work
The process typically involves three stages: 
Public Nomination: An open public vote collects initial suggestions.
Industry Panel Review: A panel reviews the public nominations to create a shortlist.
Member Voting: BCMA members vote on the final nominees to determine the winners. 
 
·         As of Aug 19, 2025 3000 Votes Had Been Received And Counted  .
 
 
Jake O’Neill (8K Monthly Spotify Listeners) won both the UK Male Vocalist and UK Single of the Year with “Taste Of Us” (first released Jan 31, 2025; 102,700 Spotify plays) .
In their EP REVIEW for O’Neill’s LEAVE THIS TOWN (released Nov 14, 2025) the scottishmusicnetwork wrote: ‘Taste of Us (One Shot),’ released back in January, lands as track three and is, frankly, irresistible. It’s bright, bouncy, and built for line dancing – the perfect modern country anthem. I’d challenge anyone to get through it without tapping their foot or singing along by the second chorus. If there’s one track on this EP destined to make its way onto everyone’s playlist, it’s this one. It’s pure brilliance”.


Jake is a UK based country artist, hailing from small town Burscough, Lancashire. 
Opening for major artists such as 49 Winchester, along with national radio plays on Absolute Country Radio - Jake is gearing up for his most successful year yet. 
After already selling out his first headline gig, 2025 sees Jake gigging in Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland and the USA, along with major festival slots at the likes of The Long Road, Country to Country, Country Calling, and Buckle & Boots. 
Regarding his awards Jake O’Neill shared “An absolute honour to have won - thank you so much”
 
Kezia Gill Wins Entertainer Of The Year for a Fifth Successive Time
Kezia Gill shared: Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me to take home ‘Entertainer of the Year’ at the @britishcma Awards last night!! I am absolutely honoured to take home this award for the FIFTH year in a row!!! ✨
I love to entertain people, so this award means so much to me. Thank you everyone.
 

Kezia played the BBC Radio2 stage IndigoattheO2 back in 2023 but 2025 just felt different when she was selected to play the CMA Spotlight stage in the O2 Arena for Country To Country 2025!
Review: Kezia Gill played a set for the history books at C2C 2025 R (James Daykin REVIEW)
She played multiple festivals throughout 2025 and supported The Shires. In November Kezia excitedly announced that the next single from her upcoming album ALL ON RED would drop November 10^th. “If Heaven Has A Honky Tonk” was the second single from the forthcoming 11 track album out January 23, 2026.
The UK country & Americana singer-songwriter signed to Snakefarm/Universal in July 2025 for the release of her album and will embark on her All On Red UK tour in February 2026 where she will be joined by special guest Nashville's Alyssa Bonagura who produced the album.
About signing to Snakefarm, Gill said, "I am beyond thrilled to have signed with Snakefarm. My whole journey as an independent artist, every song, every show and years of graft has led to this and it’s a dream come true. I’m very proud of what I've already achieved and am looking forward to what’s next alongside a roster of hugely talented artists. The hard works starts now, and I cannot wait.” Kezia Gill signs to Snakefarm/ Universal & announces UK 2026 headline tour
In early December 2025 Kez excitedly announced she will be supporting Rodney Crowell for some special shows in 2026! She will be heading to Amsterdam, Sweden and Norway to meet her European fans.

Kezia Gill
The ‘All On Red’ UK Headline Tour with Alyssa Bonagura Special Guesting on all dates. 
‘ALL ON RED’ UK TOUR DATES 
Tuesday 17 February 2026 - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (33 Queens Road, LS6 1NY) TICKETMASTER UK
Wednesday 18 February 2026 – Saint Luke’s, Glasgow (17 Bain Street, G40 2JZ) TICKETMASTER UK
Thurs 19 February 2026 – Digital, Newcastle (Times Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4EP) TICKETMASTER UK
Friday 20 February 2026 – Rock City, Nottingham (8 Talbot Street, NG1 5GG) TICKETWEB £34.19
Saturday 21 February 2026 – Club Academy, Manchester (Manchester University Union, Oxford Road, M13 9PR) TICKETMASTER UK £30.75 
Tuesday 24 February 2026 – Waterfront, Norwich (139-141 King St, NR1 1QH) EVENT
Wednesday 25 February 2026 – Islington Assembly Hall, London (Upper Street, Islington, N1 2UD) TICKETMASTER UK £39.55
Friday 27 February 2026 – Phoenix, Exeter (Gandy Street, Devon EX4 3LS) EVENT
Saturday 28 February 2026 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth (147b Albert Road, PO4 0JW) EVENT
Sunday 1 March 2025 – The Lantern, Bristol (Bristol Beacon (Lantern Hall), BS15AR) TICKETMASTER UK
AEG Presents | TICKETMASTER | ARTIST WEBSITE
 
Jade Helliwell snags UK Female Vocalist & UK Album/ EP of the Year
 
Jade Heliwell in a Instagram posted “A whole week since! I know I posted about this but that was before I got the fancy artwork so here we are 😆 Thankyou all once again. You made these my 10th & 11th British CMA awards🫶🏼🏆”
 
CRIB NEWS: Jade and her husband UK Musician of the Year Luke Thomas welcomed new baby Lance on December 8, 2025!
 

Jade’s 5 track EP HOW LOVE GOES (released 27 September 2024; 67K total track Spotify streams) snagged the BCMA UK Album of the Year award.
Jade Helliwell teamed up with renowned songwriter Alyssa Bonagura to create title cut How Love Goes. Reflecting on the collaboration, Helliwell shared, “I was honoured to team up with Alyssa Bonagura to write this song. 

I’m such a fan of her music, so I was extremely excited to get in the writing room with her. Before the call, myself and Alyssa discussed our relationships and how you fall in love when you least expect it. We started to write our stories into a song.”
The song captures the essence of unexpected love and the journey from meeting someone special to building a life together. “I love what we came up with. This song so perfectly describes my own relationship. We wove personal details into the song, and I feel we truly shared how it feels to really fall in love, the hopes you have for the future, the life you begin to build together hoping it’s a start of a legacy left behind for family long after you’re gone,” Helliwell added.
 
The now established UK Country singer-songwriter excitedly unveiled her latest single “Lighthouse”, written by Alyssa Bonagura, Jade Helliwell and Phil Donnelly

 
The track, which feature on her highly anticipated upcoming album REBEGIN, is a powerful celebration of the people who provide unwavering support in both our brightest and darkest moments.
“Lighthouse” is an intimate ode to the guiding lights in our lives — the friends, family, and loved ones who serve as safe harbours during turbulent times. With poignant lyrics and a catchy soaring melody, the song reminds us of the importance of having those we can lean on when navigating life’s storms. It’s a song for those who offer stability, love, and strength, no matter the circumstances.
Produced by Alyssa Bonagura, who co-wrote the track alongside Helliwell and Phil Donnelly, the collaboration captures the depth and emotion that listeners have come to expect from Jade’s unique blend of Country and Pop influences.

“Lighthouse” is the third single from Jade’s upcoming album Rebegin, set for release on March 20, 2026.
The album marks a new chapter for the artist, showcasing a more mature and introspective sound while staying true to the authenticity and emotional depth that has made Jade a standout in the UK Country scene.

The Rebegin project was brought to life thanks to another KICKSTARTER campaign (£10,561 pledged of a £9,200 goal by 224 backers).
Previously Jade’s 5 track EP WOMAN (released Oct 7, 2022) was also funded entirely by a successful Kickstarter campaign (265 backers pledged £10,938 of a £10,000 goal to help bring this project to life) and took home Album of The Year at the BCMA Awards 2023
Over half of the limited REBEGIN test presses (unique numbered £100 each) are already gone. There will be a run of Vinyls which will mark her first ever album available on vinyl.
For backers can receive a Signed Physical Album (Estimated delivery Apr 2026), Handwritten Lyrics, Exclusive Listening Party Ticket £30 An intimate acoustic evening at Fortyfive Vinyl Cafe in York where Jade shares the songs from the album.
 
In support of the album, Jade will embark on a headline UK tour in April 2026, bringing the new songs to life for fans across the country. Spanning six major UK cities – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Leeds – each show promises an unforgettable evening filled with Jade’s signature powerhouse vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and high-energy country-pop anthems. Tickets are on sale now.
 
Jade Helliwell
Friday 6 February 2026 - FortyFive Vinyl Cafe, York (FortyFive Vinyl Café, 29 Micklegate, York YO1 6JH) EVENT Rebegin Album Listening Party
Saturday 7 February 2026 - FortyFive Vinyl Cafe, York (FortyFive Vinyl Café, 29 Micklegate, York YO1 6JH) EVENT Rebegin Album Listening Party Night Two
Monday 20 April 2026 - The Water Rats, London (328 Grays Inn Rd, WC1X 8BZ) Hosted by UK Country Live EVENT £22
Tuesday 21 April 2026 - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham (High St, Kings Heath, B14 7J) EVENT £22.65
Wednesday 22 April 2026 - Night and Day, Manchester (26 Oldham ST, M1 1JN) EVENT £22
Thursday 23 April 2026 - The Cluny 2, Newcastle upon Tyne (36 Lime Street, NE12PQ) EVENT £22 
Friday 24 April 2026 - King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow (272A St Vincent Street, G2 5RL) TICKETWEB £22.00
Saturday 25 April 2026 - Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds (1a Cross Belgrave Street, LS2 8JP) EVENT £22
ARTIST WEBSITE
 
Bob Harris Wins UK Presenter of the Year
 
Bob Harris shared: “I feel proud and thrilled to have been voted Presenter of the Year in the 2025 britishcma poll, following our win for The Country Show in the Americana UK poll a couple of weeks ago. Hosting the show is one of the joys of my entire life and I am so grateful to bbcradio2 for their huge support of the music I love”.
 
AI Overview:

Bob Harris's The Country Show on BBC Radio 2 had an audience reach of below 300,000 weekly listeners as of an audience report from around 2021. More recent RAJAR figures focus on the station's overall performance rather than specific evening shows.

Key details about the show's audience include:
Bob Harris announced in August 2024 that the show had achieved its "highest mid-evening audience ever".
It is described as the nation's most listened-to country music program.
A significant portion of the audience listens on demand via BBC Sounds (63% as of a 2021 report), with over 800,000 requests in a year.
In August 2024 Bob Harris posted on Instagram:" We’ve just received the latest audience stats and my BBC Radio2 Country Show has its highest mid-evening audience ever!  I am absolutely thrilled.   So this post is to say thank you… to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds for supporting the show, to my producer Mark Hagen (team!) to the wonderful artists we play each week…but most of all a huge shout out to everyone who tunes in and gives us such fantastic feedback. It’s where the Country Music Community comes together and Country fans are the BEST!! 

According to Mark Hagen the figures are higher. In the quarter above Bob was referring to the programme added another 100,000 listeners. The show receives over 200 music submissions a week through files or streaming sites, major and indie alike and interestingly quite a lot of vinyl is sent in for consideration.

 
BRITISH ARTISTS PLAYED ON BOB HARRIS COUNTRY IN 2025:
Gareth “Last Thing I Do” (16 Jan 2025)
Kezia Gill “Like I Did Before” (Album Misfit) (6 Mar 2025)
Gareth “Quiet In This House” (Radio 2 Session) 13 Mar 2025
Alyssa Bonagura “Old Piano” (feat. Charles Kelley) 8 May 2025
Chanel Yates “Big Girl Boots” 7 Aug 2025
Kezia Gill “Dublin's Outta Whiskey” 21 Aug 2025
Florence Sommerville “Out Where The Love Grows” (Endless Horizon) 28 Aug 2025
First Time Flyers “Happier” (Bound to Break) 18 Sept 2025
Harley Moon Kemp “Love Me Better” 9 Oct 2025
Rianne Downey “Good In Goodbye” (Radio 2 Session) 6 Nov 2025 Tagged Alternative
Kezia Gill “If Heaven Has A Honky Tonk” 6 Nov 2025
 
Artists and songs I believe deserved to be played on the show during 2025:
Katy Hurt – Seasons (24 Jan 2025)
Twinnie - Worst Kind of Crush (7 Feb 2025)
Robyn Red - 10 Years On (23 May 2025)
Katy Hurt - Before The Ice Melts (18 April 2025)
Lisa McHugh – Tennessee (2 May 2025)
Chanel Yates - Shotgun Seat (30 May 2025)  
Emma King - Better Than It Was (18 July 2025)
Gary Quinn, William Michael Morgan - Country Strait (22 Aug 2025)
Louise Connor - Put You Onto Country (24 Oct 2025)
Neeve Zahra - Empty Heart (7 Nov 2025)
Amy Alexander - Boy Back Home (14 Nov 2025)
 
Notable BCMA acts who are yet to receive their first spins on Bob Harris Country as a solo act include: Jade Helliwell, Gary Quinn, Katy Hurt
 
As far as I’m aware only one British artist has appeared on the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart (TOP 40 at countrymusic.co.uk)

On the chart published December 14, 2025, Gareth made a debut at No.38 “Stampede” (247-38) and has been on the chart for4 weeks.
Scottish singer-songwriter (Alternative/Folk/ Pop) Rianne Downey made her Official Albums Chart debut with THE CONSEQUENCE OF LOVE (No.18, 5,250 sales)) (24 Oct 2025 – 30 Oct 2025). She appeared in session on Bob Harris Country on a Nov 6, 2025 show which included a world exclusive from Kezia Gill (played over 30 times on Bob Harris Country since appearing at short notice in light of the news that C2C2020 was postponed in London and a live broadcast direct from Studio 6C at Wogan House (99 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7NY) took place on Saturday March 14, 2020).

ABOUT the British Country Music Association
Their Mission
- Nurture up and coming UK singer-songwriters and support our BCMA member artists
- Fund Showcases for BCMA Artists around the UK.
- Present BCMA events every year, giving all Artists the experience of performing on the Main stage.
- Present the BCMA Awards every year showcasing and rewarding the very best in UK Country music.
- Grow Country Music in the UK and beyond because we believe we have music that deserves to be heard.
Join Us: “Join now as a member of the BCMA and receive great discounts at all BCMA affiliated shows and festivals, vote for your favourite artists in the BCMA Awards and see the latest news, events and everything Country here in the Great British Isles”.
 
CONNECT with British Country Music Association (BCMA):