Lorde is nominated for a total of three awards. Photo / Supplied
Lorde is nominated for a total of three awards. Photo / Supplied
The Aotearoa Music Awards are back this year, and while it's a slightly scaled-back affair, many iconic Kiwi artists are still up for some big awards.
Having replaced the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards in 2020, the award show is an opportunity for Kiwi music lovers and artists alike to celebrate the brilliance of Kiwi music.
With winners set to be announced on November 10, New Zealand's most beloved performers including, Rob Ruha, Lorde and supergroup, L.A.B alongside some new music stars have been announced as finalists.
Emerging as this year's frontrunner with six nominations is Ruha. Nominated for Single of the Year for his hit song, That's Where I'll Be, the Māori musician is also up for Album of the Year among other nominations.
Ruha's nods don't stop there with Ka Hao, who works under his mentorship, also being nominated for a whopping five awards.
L.A.B are a summer classic. Photo / Sarah Hunter
Joining the stars are New Zealand's favourite supergroup L.A.B. Having taken out four Tūī awards last year, and their haul of two in 2020, the summer stable band has been nominated for four awards including Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Best Group and Best Roots Artist.
Meanwhile, international superstar, Lorde is nominated for a total of three awards. Having released her album Solar Power last year, the singer is up for Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist and Best Pop Artist.
Other nominated artists include local legends Shihad, Marlon Williams, Benee, Stan Walker and country music star Tami Neilson.
Earlier this year it was announced the award ceremony will look a little different to other years with nominations, finalists, and Tūī winners announced as usual however it will not be a televised event. Instead, it will be a special invite-only celebration.
Legendary Kiwi rock band Shihad is up for a nomination. Photo / Peter de Graaf
AMA 2022 Finalists:
Recorded Music NZ Te Pukaemi o te Tau | Album of the Year
Aldous Harding – Warm Chris L.A.B – L.A.B V Lorde – Solar Power Reb Fountain – IRIS Rob Ruha – Preservation of Scenery Tami Neilson – Kingmaker
Te Waiata Tōtahi o te Tau | Single of the Year
Ka Hao – '35' (ft. Rob Ruha) L.A.B – 'Mr Reggae' Marlon Williams – 'My Boy' Reb Fountain – 'Lacuna' Rob Ruha – 'That's Where I'll Be' The Beths – 'Silence is Golden'
Te Roopu Toa | Best Group
Alien Weaponry – Tangaroa Fat Freddy's Drop – WAIRUNGA Ka Hao – Ka Hao: One Tira, One Voice L.A.B – L.A.B V
Te Kaipuoro Takitahi Toa | Best Solo Artist
Lorde – Solar Power Reb Fountain – IRIS Rob Ruha – Preservation of Scenery Tami Neilson – Kingmaker
Te Kaituhura Puoro Toa o te Tau | Breakthrough Artist of the Year
