Critics’ Poll
Blues Artist of the Year (Male)
John Primer
Blues Artist of the Year (Female)
Shemekia Copeland
Blues Band of the Year
Southern Avenue
Most Outstanding Blues Singer
Mavis Staples
Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar)
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica)
Charlie Musselwhite
Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard)
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
Most Outstanding Musician (Bass)
Bob Stroger
Most Outstanding Musician (Drums)
Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
Most Outstanding Musician (Horns)
Vanessa Collier
Most Outstanding Musician (Other)
Sharde Thomas-Mallory (Fife)
Best Live Performer
Bobby Rush
Comeback Artist of the Year
Maria Muldaur
Artist Deserving More Attention
Sean McDonald
Best Blues Albums of 2025
Album of the Year
D.K.
