TAIPEI – The countdown has officially begun for Mandarin music’s most prestigious event. The 36th Golden Melody Awards (GMA) ceremony, often dubbed the “Grammys of the Mandarin-speaking world,” is scheduled to take place at the iconic Taipei Arena on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with the main ceremony commencing at 7 p.m. local time.
Organized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture (MOC), the Golden Melody Awards stand as the paramount benchmark for excellence and innovation in the vast landscape of Mandarin-language music. The announcement of the ceremony details and the comprehensive list of nominees has ignited considerable anticipation across the industry and among fans worldwide.
A Vast Field of Contention
This year’s awards promise a fierce and diverse competition, underscoring the vibrant health and expansive creativity within the Mandarin music scene. A remarkable total of 169 works have advanced to the final stage, vying for recognition across 27 distinct award categories. This extensive pool of finalists reflects the sheer volume and high quality of musical output produced over the past year, presenting a formidable challenge for the judging panel tasked with selecting the year’s most outstanding achievements.
Leading the Pack: Labels and Collaborations
In the highly competitive race for top honors, Sony Music Entertainment Taiwan Ltd. has emerged as a frontrunner among record labels, securing the highest number of nominations. The major label boasts an impressive 11 nominations across various categories, indicating a strong portfolio of critically acclaimed and commercially successful releases in the qualifying period. This performance highlights the label’s significant influence and investment in the region’s music talent.
Beyond label dominance, a particular work has captured significant attention for its artistic merit and cross-cultural collaboration. The album titled “AAA”, a joint project between the acclaimed Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster and the innovative South Korean band Hyukoh, has garnered the most nominations for a single work, receiving a remarkable total of seven nods. This significant recognition for “AAA” not only celebrates a unique fusion of musical styles but also underscores the increasing regional connectivity and collaborative spirit within Asia’s music landscape. Its success in securing nominations across multiple categories suggests a broad appeal and critical appreciation for its songwriting, performance, production, and overall artistic vision.
Honoring Legacies and Enduring Impact
The Golden Melody Awards also serve as a vital platform for recognizing individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions to the development and richness of Mandarin music. This year, the Special Contribution Awards will be bestowed upon two highly respected figures:
First, veteran composer-producer Weng Xiao-liang (翁孝良) will be honored. His decades-long career has undoubtedly shaped the sound and direction of countless artists and recordings, leaving an indelible mark on the industry through his creative and technical expertise.
Second, the late Taiwanese singer Ma Chao-chun (馬兆駿) will be posthumously recognized. His legacy as a singer has clearly resonated deeply within Taiwan’s music history, impacting audiences and fellow musicians through his performances and potential songwriting, solidifying his place as a cherished figure.
These special awards highlight the GMA’s commitment to celebrating both living legends and those whose influence continues to be felt after their passing.
The Jury’s Distinctive Recognition
A special distinction, the Jury Award, will also be presented, this year bestowed posthumously upon the late Hong Kong-American singer Khalil Fong (方大同). The award recognizes his album titled “The Dreamer” (夢想家). The Jury Award often acknowledges works that push artistic boundaries or possess unique merit that might not fit neatly into standard categories, representing the jury’s collective appreciation for a particularly significant artistic statement. Recognizing Fong for “The Dreamer” underscores his impact as an artist known for his distinct R&B and soul influences within the Mandarin music sphere and celebrates a specific body of work deemed exceptionally noteworthy by the judging panel, offering a poignant tribute to his artistic vision.
Reaching a Global Audience
For fans eager to witness the ceremony and discover who will take home the coveted awards, accessibility is key. Taiwan Television Enterprise (TTV) will serve as the primary broadcaster, bringing the event to television audiences. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of digital platforms, the 36th Golden Melody Awards will also be available for online streaming via Line Today and Line Music. This multi-platform approach ensures that the celebration of Mandarin music’s finest reaches a wide and diverse audience, both within Taiwan and internationally, allowing fans across the globe to tune in and experience the excitement live.
As June 28, 2025, approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable night celebrating the past year’s achievements and the enduring legacy of Mandarin music. The convergence of established stars, groundbreaking new talent, and heartfelt tributes at the Taipei Arena will once again solidify the Golden Melody Awards’ position as the premier event on the Mandarin music calendar.
