The 2025 Polar Music Prize has been awarded to three musical giants: British rock band Queen, American jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, and Canadian soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan. The prestigious award, presented annually to individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to music, recognized Queen for their “distinctive and instantly recognizable sound that no one else can emulate.”
Queen, known for their iconic hits such as “We Will Rock You,” “Another One Bites The Dust,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” have sold over 300 million albums worldwide. The band’s legendary lineup, featuring Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon, captivated audiences in stadiums across the globe, including their unforgettable performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert. Though Mercury’s tragic death in 1991 left a void, the band has since continued to tour with various guest vocalists, demonstrating their enduring legacy in the rock world.
The 2025 Polar Music Prize also honored Herbie Hancock, an American jazz pianist and composer whose collaborations with legends like Miles Davis and his own successful solo career have left an indelible mark on jazz music. Alongside Hancock, Canadian soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan was recognized for her extraordinary contributions to both vocal and orchestral music.
The Polar Music Prize, founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson, the manager of ABBA, has previously been awarded to an array of music legends, including Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, and Metallica. This year’s recipients join the ranks of these iconic figures, cementing their places in music history.
