FAQ
When are the 2025 SAM Awards?
Tuesday October 28th 2025
Where are the 2025 SAM Awards?
Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre
Who can attend?
The South Australian Music Awards are open to everyone to attend!
Is the event accessible?
Absolutely. The Adelaide Entertainment Centre is completely accessible but should you need any further details on accessibility or have any questions, please contact [email protected]
Where do I get a ticket?
https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/south-australian-music-awards-2025/185269
What’s included in the ticket price?
The ticket is inclusive of the awards presentation, performances and the afterparty.
Can I bring my own food?
Sorry, outside food may not be brought onto the site from outside, but there will be food you can purchase at the venue.
How are the nominees / finalists selected ?
People’s Choice long listed finalists consist of every eligible nomination submitted by the public. People’s Choice awards are then voted for 100% by the public via our independent external media partners themusic.com.au and the public are able to cast a single vote within each genre category. To ensure maximum integrity of the voting process, only one vote per email address and per IP address is counted. The People’s Choice finalists are the five artists who have received the most votes from the public in each category.
With regards to the industry and major awards, each year a judging panel consisting of ten (10) local and five (5) national industry peers are engaged. The panel is carefully considered to ensure that it includes a diverse range of gender, age and culture. The judges on the panel will always represent different facets within the Australian Music industry. The SAM Awards work to ensure that no musical genre will be specifically favoured through the selection of the panel, as the individuals on the panel come with an eclectic background and tastes.
The local judging panel go through the applications in a first round of voting in the creation of a shortlist of nominees in each category – this varies between 4 and 6 nominees, depending on the results from the judging panel, or if there are no more entries in that category. Every single submission for either the People’s Choice Awards or Major and Industry awards is included in the first round of voting, as long as it meets the eligibly criteria.
Judges vote completely independently, and all voting is done autonomously. The results of each category are not shared between the judging panel and they are not informed of the outcomes of each category until the awards are announced.
All judges are required to declare conflicts of interest related to all categories that they vote in, and should a conflict of interest be declared, they become ineligible to vote in that category.
Who is hosting the evening?
Sosefina Fuamoli and Troy Sincock.
Who is performing on the night?
Oscar the Wild, J-MILLA, Lonelyspeck and Bromham.
Do you have a Conflict of Interest Policy for MusicSA staff?
Yes, MusicSA maintains an active Conflict of Interest Policy for all staff and associates and ensures nominations and judging processes implement the highest standards of integrity and transparency. MusicSA staff and associates and SA Music Awards judges are required to disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. Where a conflict is identified, it is recorded and managed appropriately according to the Policy. MusicSA’s rigorous approach ensures that all award decisions are made objectively, fairly, and in the best interests of recognising genuine excellence in South Australian music. The integrity of the SA Music Awards depends on this commitment, and we are proud to uphold these standards.
Who can enter the SAM awards?
All South Australian artists, provided that they meet the eligibility criteria. It is crucial that you read and understand all the eligibility criteria before you submit an entry. Entries can be submitted by artists themselves or by a supporter who wants to enter an artist that they love. Entries opened Thursday 14th August 2025 and close Wednesday 28th August 2025.
How do I enter my band?
Nominations are closed, stay tuned for 2026.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, if you’re eligible.
How do I enter?
Nominations have closed, stay tuned for 2026.
How do I vote?
Voting is closed.
What is the difference between a ‘People’s Choice’ and ‘Major and Industry’ Award?
The Peoples Choice awards are voted for, and entries are submitted by, the South Australian music community and are 100% public voted. The Major and Industry Award nominees and winners are selected by a judging panel of fifteen (15) local and national industry peers.
Do winners receive a prize?
Every winner receives a custom made trophy, to cherish forever. Selected Major and Industry awards have additional In Kind and Cash Prizes attached.
How are the winners selected?
People’s choice awards are 100% voted for by the public via themusic.com.au. themusic.com.au is an independent third-party website to ensure the integrity and independence of the voting process. Multiple entries from the same IP address are excluded in order to prevent vote tampering.
For the Industry and Major awards, each year a judging panel consisting of local and national industry peers are engaged. The panel is carefully considered to ensure that it includes a diverse range of gender, age and culture. The judges on the panel will always represent different facets within the Australian Music Industry. The SAM Awards work to ensure that no musical genres will be specifically favoured through the selection of our panel, as the individuals on the panel come with eclectic backgrounds and tastes.
The local judging panel go through the applications in a first round of voting which results in the creation of a shortlist of nominees in each category. Every single submission for either People’s Choice Awards or Major and Industry Awards is included in the first round of voting, as long as it meets the eligibility criteria.
Judges vote independently of others on the judging panel as a secret ballot. The results of each category are not shared between the judging panel and they are not informed of the outcomes of each category until the awards are announced.
All judges are required to declare conflicts of interest related to all categories that they vote in, and should a conflict of interest should be declared, they become ineligible to vote in that category. Even though they are not on the voting panel, all Music SA staff and board members are also required to declare any conflicts of interest. Where there is a conflict, the staff or board member is required to withdraw from every aspect of facilitating the voting process.
Winners are announced at the award presentation ceremony on Tuesday 28th October 2025.