2026 POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE GALA
@ MASSEY HALL, TORONTO
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Angine de Poitrine, the enigmatic, ingenious math rock duo from Saguenay, Quebec, walked away with both of the top prizes at this year’s Polaris Music Prize Gala, for both Album of the Year for Vol. 2, and for Single of the Year for “Fabienk.” The Polaris Music Prize has become one of the most prestigious music awards in Canada. This year’s gala continued to uphold that tradition as a celebration of the best in Canadian music, regardless of record sales or genres.
This year’s gala was hosted by Odario Williams, host of CBC Radio’s Afterdark. The evening featured live performances by eight of the 10 artists whose albums comprised the 2026 Polaris Music Prize short list, including Angine de Poitrine, Aquakultre, Begonia, Bibi Club, Beverly Glenn-Copeland & Elizabeth Copeland, Charlotte Cornfield, Les Louanges, and Tanya Tagaq. In addition, the audience was treated to a mesmerizing interpretation of Peaches, by 2026 Album Long List nominees Slash Need. Rochelle Jordan was not available to perform.
Given the huge wave that Angine de poitrine has been riding the past year, and the massive following they have accumulated, it was not a huge surprise that the band that has continued to refuse to sign to a magic record label and remain independent artists, would take home the prize. Their popularity with the audience, many of whom came dressed in polka dots, was clear when they took to the stage as the final performance of the evening, although it wouldn’t be the first time one was surprised (but never disappointed) by the Polaris Judges Panel decision. However, it was no doubt the complexity of their musical structures and compositions, and the synergy between the two performers earned them the prize.
What was truly remarkable, however, was the variety and calibre of incredible talent that also graced the legendary stage last night, crossing through the spectrums of genre, popularity, and preference. From the superb vocals of both mother daughter-team Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Elizabeth Copeland, the breezy vocals and melodies of Charlotte Cornfield, the no holds barred magic of Bibi Club and Smash Need (performing Peaches), the emotive and powerhouse vocals of Begonia, the contrasting and quirky poetry that is Les Louanges, to the intense, powerful, and historically and culturally significant messages from Aquakultre and Tanya Tagaq, the depth and breadth of Canadian Music Talent was proudly and fiercely on display last night. It was clear that both the magic, the diversity, and the individuality of Canadian artists and Canadian Music are bringing Canadians together, at a time when it is needed most. No matter what your preference, there was definitely something for everyone, and everyone could feel the magic in each and every performance. It certainly made this audience member proud.
Polaris Music Prize Links
Angine de Poitrine Links
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