Christian Popstar LILLI Named Emerging Artist of the Year at CMAA Awards
Adelaide-based pop artist LILLI has been named Australian Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2026 People’s Choice Awards, capping a landmark year of chart success, her debut album Anthropology and songwriting work in Nashville. The South Australian Christian artist was one of three finalists represented by Adelaide independent label Australian Christian Records.
ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA — South Australian pop artist LILLI has won Australian Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2026 People’s Choice Awards, organised by Christian Media & Arts Australia (CMAA), the industry body supporting Christians working in media and the arts.
Adelaide independent label Australian Christian Records (ACR) represented three of the category’s five finalists, with Victor Claye and River Movement nominated alongside LILLI. The result marks a milestone for the Adelaide label and its support of contemporary Australian Christian music.
Reflecting on the recognition, LILLI said:
Frankly, I can’t believe it. With all my heart, thank you to everyone who has been listening, supporting and who voted. You guys make it possible to keep doing this! It has been an honour and a privilege to be listed alongside such incredible artists and songwriters. I can’t wait to keep creating for you all.
Nathan Brown, CEO of CMAA, said:
Australia is home to gifted Christian artists whose music shares the hope of Christ with creativity and conviction. We congratulate LILLI and all this year’s nominees, and celebrate the listeners and broadcasters supporting their work. It’s a joy to see these Australian voices recognised and encouraged.
Bona Fide Popstar for Jesus!
The award follows LILLI’s return from several successful weeks in Nashville, where she worked on songwriting, connected with leading figures in the Christian music industry, and performed at the Christian & Gospel Music Museum, among other gigs.
Her debut album Anthropology was released this year. The single ‘O Philosopher’ reached number two on the AMRAP national charts, spent seven weeks in the top ten, and was number one on the pop chart for five weeks.
Originally from Mount Gambier, LILLI joined ACR in 2023. She graduated from Tabor Institute of Music with a Bachelor of Music in 2026, continuing a creative career spanning music, acting, visual art and radio.
Fellow nominee Victor Claye is preparing to release his new album in early October. Based in Adelaide, the artist blends gospel hip-hop and afrobeat with his Sierra Leonean heritage and messages of hope, purpose and redemption.
River Movement, described by ACR as Australia’s hardest-working Christian touring band, is preparing to embark on another national tour next month. The Queensland group brings together alternative hip-hop, energetic live performances and Christian hope.
ACR expressed gratitude to the stations supporting Australian Christian artists, recognising the role broadcasters play in introducing local music to listeners, encouraging emerging talent, and platforming confident Christian role models to their communities.
Based in Adelaide, Aaron Duff, the founder and Chief Music Officer of ACR, said, “Three artists among just five finalists is something we are incredibly proud of, and LILLI’s win gives us another reason to turn the music up!”
Follow LILLI:
Website: www.lillimusic.com.au
Instagram: @lilli.official
Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialLILLI/
Spotify: @LILLI
Purchase Anthropology: ozchristianrecords.bandcamp.com/album/anthropology
Other 2026 People’s Choice Awards Winners
The votes are in, and we’re excited to announce the winners of the 2026 People’s Choice Awards.
Voted for by audiences across Australia and New Zealand, the People’s Choice Awards celebrate the artists and songs connecting with listeners, building communities and making an impact through Christian music.
A huge congratulations to all of this year’s nominees, and thank you to everyone across Australia and New Zealand who cast their vote.
Australian Artist of the Year
Celebrating an Australian artist making a significant impact through their music and connection with audiences.
Winner: Ethan Beer / Youth Alive
Congratulations to Ethan Beer / Youth Alive, voted the 2026 Australian Artist of the Year. The collaboration between Ethan Beer and Youth Alive was a huge success on social media and around the songs Hallelujah (Hearts on Fire) and Where He Goes.
Australian Song of the Year
Celebrating the song that connected most strongly with Australian audiences this year.
Winner: World on Fire – for KING + COUNTRY
Congratulations to for KING + COUNTRY, with World on Fire voted the 2026 Australian Song of the Year. The song World On Fire was a roaring success across the Australian Christian music scene and the ground-swell of love for the band continues to grow.
New Zealand Artist of the Year
Celebrating a New Zealand artist making an impact through their music, creativity and connection with listeners.
Winner: Omega Levine
Congratulations to Omega Levine, voted the 2026 New Zealand Artist of the Year. Omega recently re-entered the Christian music scene with the song All Things New. He has a large and engaged social media community behind him.
New Zealand Emerging Artist of the Year
Recognising an emerging New Zealand artist showing outstanding promise and connecting with audiences.
Winner: Oscar Ironside
Congratulations to Oscar Ironside, voted the 2026 New Zealand Emerging Artist of the Year. Oscar is also a data-science student and audio engineer at his church. His song Hope for a Living explores how Christian hope is meant for today, not just eternity.
Congratulations to Our 2026 Winners
The People’s Choice Awards are particularly special because they are decided by the people listening, watching and supporting Christian artists across Australia and New Zealand.
Thank you to everyone who voted and helped celebrate the incredible music being created across our region.
And a huge congratulations to our 2026 People’s Choice Award winners: Ethan Beer / Youth Alive, LILLI, for KING + COUNTRY, Omega Levine and Oscar Ironside.
Readers can additionally view ACR’s exclusive interview with Ethan Beer and another with For King & Country this Friday, as well as some quickfire interviews with other finalists at: Get To Know the CMAA Award Nominees.
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