The 13th annual Denniz Pop Awards took place at Börsen in Stockholm, continuing its tradition of recognizing both established and rising stars in the music world. This year’s event highlighted the enduring legacy of Swedish music innovation and its impact on the global stage.
Zara Larsson was awarded the Grand Prize, joining a prestigious group of previous recipients such as Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, and Ludwig Göransson. The honor recognizes Larsson’s sustained international success and her position as one of Sweden’s most influential contemporary artists.
In the category of Rookie Songwriter/Producer, Fanny Avonne was celebrated for her dynamic achievements over the past year. Her acclaimed EP, "Växtvärk," as well as notable collaborations with artists like Tjuvjakt and Olga Myko, underscored her versatile talents as a songwriter, producer, and musician. The jury acknowledged her innovative approach and resilience within the industry.
Engla Li claimed the title of Rookie Artist/Band, standing out for her emotive songwriting and distinctive artistic direction. Her work is marked by a melodic and heartfelt expression that resonated strongly with the jury, who commended her ability to connect with audiences through genuine and personal storytelling.
Sonny Tennet, a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom, received the Rookie International award. Known for his sincere and melodic take on indie pop, Tennet impressed the panel with his compelling stage presence and narrative-driven compositions, further establishing himself beyond the UK’s borders.
The MVP (Most Valuable Person) accolade was awarded to Rob’n’Raz, the influential duo consisting of Robert Wåtz and Rasmus Lindvall. Recognized for their pioneering role in bringing Swedish dance music to international audiences during the transition from the 1980s to the 1990s, the duo was celebrated for their foundational contributions to what became the hallmark of Swedish pop’s global triumph.
This year’s gala was a vibrant affair, featuring live musical performances, surprise guests, and tributes to the history of Swedish pop music. The evening concluded with an industry celebration, where guests from across Sweden’s music sector and the country’s emerging talents gathered to honor the achievements of the night.
The 2026 jury was composed of some of the most eminent figures in Swedish pop, including Jacob Schulze, Rami Yacoub, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Noonie Bao, Swedish House Mafia, Tove Lo, Lisa Miskovsky, Alexander Kronlund, Jörgen Elofsson, Andreas Carlsson, Per Magnusson, John Amatiello, and Doris Daga. Each juror has established an impressive career with international acclaim, contributing to Sweden’s status as a leader in modern pop music.
The Denniz Pop Awards were established in 2013 to honor the memory of revered producer and songwriter Denniz Pop, founder of the Cheiron studio in Stockholm. The awards aim to cultivate and support the next generation of music creators, building on the legacy that Denniz Pop established through producing and shaping many of Sweden’s and the world’s biggest hits. The 2026 edition reaffirmed the event’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creativity, innovation, and the strong spirit of collaboration that has become synonymous with Sweden’s place in global music.
