Industry News - Breakthrough Finalists and First Performers announced for Aotearoa Music Awards 2025
Earlier this week we were proud to announce the finalists for 2025 Te Iti Rearea o te Tau | Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
They are:
A.R.T
DARTZ
Hori Shaw
The first five finalists who will perform as part of a powerhouse line-up at the AMA event on 29 May have also been revealed:
CHAII
Anna Coddington
Fazerdaze
Aaradhna + Ladi6
Read the announcements in full at the links below:
Follow @aotearoamusicawards on socials to stay up-to-date with all things AMA, including additional performers and future announcements.
Winners will be announced on 29th May.
There are no public ticket sales, however the show can be streamed via RNZ and on demand via TVNZ+.
Finalists have been announced for Breakthrough Artist of the Year for this year's Aotearoa Music Awards, as well as the first performers for the show.
With tickets for all cities on sale at 1pm today, promoters are excited to announce a second and final Auckland show for Swedish post-punkers Viagra Boys – bringing their riotous show to New Zealand for the very first time next January.
Brant Bjork has spent over a quarter of a century at the heart of California’s desert rock scene. Now in 2025, he’s bringing his band to New Zealand for three exlusive shows, thanks to Waxstar Touring and Valhalla Touring.
TEG Live is thrilled to announce GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Maren Morris has announced New Zealand tour dates for her highly anticipated The Dreamsicle Tour, bringing Maren’s signature sound and fearless storytelling to the New Zealand fans.
Live Nation is proud to present the full Auckland Winter Series line up at the Auckland Town Hall this June featuring Sir Dave Dobbyn, TEEKS, Mall Grab and Japanese Breakfast.
Rock n Roll Hall of fame inductees and legends of rock, ZZ Top, are thrilled to announce Australian singer, songwriter and guitar slinger, Dallas Frasca, as support on the 2025 New Zealand dates for The Elevation Tour this May.
Daniel returns to the comedy festival circuit in 2025 with a brand new show about family (or street racing) – ‘You May Be White, I May Be Crazy’.
Following a sold-out rampage across Australia last November – and currently tearing through a riotous world tour in support of their new album, viagr aboys – Swedish post-punkers V**gra Boys announce their live return in January, including the band’s first visit to Aotearoa with the infinite anxiety tour of 2026: australia and new zealand.
In October 2026, the seven seas are calling with Australia's first ever dedicated metal cruise Hellbound - and Australia has answered, with Hellbound completely selling out in a mere seven minutes during their pre-sale.
You know the date (Saturday 2 August) you know the venue (Spark Arena) and now we’re going to open the door a little wider revealing the first act for The Biggest Pub Gig In The World.
Frontier Touring is excited to announce the return of US country star, Jackson Dean as he brings his On The Back Of My Dreams World Tour to Australia and New Zealand this October.
Following his highly anticipated return to Europe and the massive success of his 2024 North American tour, multi platinum, 8-time GRAMMY award-winning, global entertainment icon USHER announced the Australian leg of his highly praised USHER: Past Present Future 2025 Global Tour.
In response to growing demand, Australian online comedy star, Andrew Hamilton will tour New Zealand for the very first time this June with his award-nominated, critically acclaimed debut show ‘Jokes About the Time I Went to Prison’.
Australian singer/songwriter grentperez is bringing The Backflips In A Restaurant Tour to theatres across Australia and New Zealand this October and November!
Comedy streaming service Dropout today announced their 2026 multi-city Australian and New Zealand tour of Dropout Improv, a live improv show that will feature electric performances of short-form improv games, comedy and a whole lot of shenanigans.
Due to phenomenal demand, breakout vocalist and songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith has added a second show in Perth on her upcoming THE ART OF BEING A MESS headline tour.
Today, 20-year-old breakout vocal powerhouse Jessie Murph reveals the dates for her upcoming WORLDWIDE HYSTERIA tour in support of her new album out later this year.
Gerringong-based indie-rock upstarts The Terrys have just announced their biggest national tour yet in support of their self-titled album – out Friday, July 11.
This June, Black Grace returns with the third edition of Company B – a powerful new production entitled Rage Rage.
Live Nation is proud to present one of Aotearoa’s most treasured musical voices, Sir Dave Dobbyn, live in concert at Auckland Town Hall for the very first time on Wednesday June 4 as part of the Auckland Winter Series.
You knew the news was coming, but now it’s time to get your marker pens out for the calendar … The Others Way is back, baby!
In 2026, prepare to Go to Hell with Australia's first ever dedicated metal cruise Hellbound.
Breakout vocalist and songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith will set out on The Art of Being a Mess headline tour this September.
Imperial Triumphant announce exclusive headline show on Friday 13 June, Mothership, Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau.
This September history will be made with the return of Swedish metallers Sabaton to Australian shores, joined in Australia by special guests and fellow compatriots Amaranthe.
The legendary Canadian alternative country/blues/folk rock band, Cowboy Junkies, will return to New Zealand later this year for a four-date tour, celebrating their 40th anniversary.
From the teams behind SYNTHONY and COME TOGETHER – Brace yourself for the ultimate collision of metal and classical.
ZZ Top has advised today that drummer Frank Beard, as recommended by medical personnel, will not be present for the Australia and New Zealand leg of The Elevation Tour with George Thorogood & The Destroyers, commencing this Saturday with Red Hot Summer Bendigo.
Auckland indie-rock legends Voom — after years of slow-burning genius, cult-adored releases, and sporadic-yet-memorable live performances — are finally back with their new album and NZ Tour!
American punk rock band Dead Kennedys return to Australia and New Zealand this September for their first tour in seven years, bringing their politically charged anthems and raw energy back to the stage.
