The 36th Golden Melody Awards took place earlier this week at Taipei Arena, spotlighting the evolving artistry and enduring power of Mandarin-language music. As one of the most significant honors in the Chinese-speaking world, this year’s ceremony balanced reverence for legacy with a celebration of bold, contemporary voices.
Siri Lee took home three top honors: Best Female Singer (Taiwanese), Best Taiwanese Album, and Album of the Year for “Suí.” Lee spoke on stage with quiet conviction about transformation and identity: “If we can let go of self-definitions, the world is a dream. Nothing is impossible.”
Rapper Trout Fresh claimed both Best Male Singer (Mandarin) and Best Mandarin Album for “Good Sound With Attitudes.” In his speech, he teased new material, while producer Shang-lin Lu expressed his excitement: “We did it!”
Veteran singer-songwriter Waa Wei was named Best Female Singer (Mandarin), reflecting on the tension between career and parenthood. “The hardest thing is giving up. This award shows I don’t have to,” she said.
Sunset Rollercoaster and South Korea’s Hyukoh swept three awards for their collaborative album “AAA” – Best Vocal Recording Album, Best Music Video, and Best Album Design.
The Best New Artist trophy went to Someshiit for “A Fool,” marking his transition from working backstage to becoming a front-facing performer. “This year, I finally stepped into the spotlight. Thank you for seeing me,” he said before delivering a live rendition of “Kinds of Kindness” (ft. CHS).
In the regional language categories, Zi-Xuan Huang dominated with wins for both Best Hakka Singer and Best Hakka Album (“New Soul”). Kumu Basaw received Best Indigenous Language Singer, while Sauljaljui took home Best Indigenous Language Album for “Vaivaik,” dedicating her award to her hometown and late father.
Power Station was named Best Vocal Group, their first win in 20 years. Yi-heng Chen earned Best Male Singer (Taiwanese) for “Can Cancan Cancancan,” using his acceptance speech to advocate for linguistic preservation through music.
Two Special Contribution Awards were presented: one to Xiao-liang Weng, introduced by Michelle Pan as a “driving force in Mandarin music,” and another posthumously to Zhao-jun Ma. Both tributes included musical performances by Ricky Hsiao and Eric Moo.
The Jury Award honored the late Khalil Fong for “Dreamer,” with jury chair Xiao-wen Ting calling it “songs of life,” and praising the album’s clarity during Fong’s final creative chapter.
Capping the night, Energy won Song of the Year for “Friday Night.” The band, recently reunited after a 17-year hiatus, credited their longtime collaborators. “We won with a dance track – the dance era is here,” said member Toro.
variety.com
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