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LILLI named Australian Emerging Artist of the Year
LILLI named Australian Emerging Artist of the Year
as Australian Christian Records celebrates three nominees + all the other winners.
DJ Paine, September 16, 2026
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND — South Australian pop artist LILLI has won Australian Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2026 People’s Choice Awards, organised by Christian Media & Arts Australia (CMAA), the industry body supporting Christians working in media and the arts.
Independent label Australian Christian Records (ACR) represented three of the category’s five finalists, with Victor Claye and River Movement nominated alongside LILLI. The result marks a milestone for the Adelaide label and its support of contemporary Australian Christian music.
Reflecting on the recognition, LILLI said:
“Frankly, I can't believe it. With all my heart, thank you to everyone who has been listening, supporting and who voted. You guys make it possible to keep doing this! It has been an honour and a privilege to be listed alongside such incredible artists and songwriters. I can't wait to keep creating for you all.”
Nathan Brown, CEO of CMAA, said:
“Australia is home to gifted Christian artists whose music shares the hope of Christ with creativity and conviction. We congratulate LILLI and all this year’s nominees, and celebrate the listeners and broadcasters supporting their work. It’s a joy to see these Australian voices recognised and encouraged.”
'Bona fide popstar for Jesus!'
The award follows LILLI’s return from several successful weeks in Nashville, where she worked on songwriting, connected with leading figures in the Christian music industry, and performed at the Christian & Gospel Music Museum among other gigs.
Her debut album, Anthropology, was released this year. The single 'O Philosopher' reached number two on the AMRAP national charts, spent seven weeks in the top ten and was number one on the pop chart for 5 weeks.
Originally from Mount Gambier, LILLI joined ACR in 2023. She graduated from Tabor Institute of Music with a Bachelor of Music in 2026, continuing a creative career spanning music, acting, visual art and radio.
Fellow nominee Victor Claye is preparing to release his new album in early October. Based in Adelaide, the artist blends gospel hip-hop and afrobeat with his Sierra Leonean heritage and messages of hope, purpose and redemption.
River Movement, described by ACR as Australia’s hardest-working Christian touring band, is preparing to embark on another national tour next month. The Queensland group brings together alternative hip-hop, energetic live performances and Christian hope.
ACR expressed gratitude to the stations supporting Australian Christian artists, recognising the role broadcasters play in introducing local music to listeners, encouraging emerging talent, and platforming confident Christian role models to their communities.
Based in Adelaide, Aaron Duff the founder and Chief Music Officer of ACR said:
“Three artists among just five finalists is something we are incredibly proud of, and LILLI’s win gives us another reason to turn the music up!”
ACR also congratulates the other winners of CMAA's Music Awards including Youth Alive & Ethan Beer as Artist of the Year, and For King & Country for Song of the Year with 'World on Fire'.
Additionally ACR would like to congratulate our friend Omega Levine for winning NZ Artist of the Year, and Oscar Ironside for winning NZ Emerging Artist of the Year.
ACR has exclusive interviews with Ethan Beer and another with For King & Country this Friday. Readers can additionally read some quickfire interviews with other finalists at: Get To Know the CMAA Award Nominees.
Follow:
Follow:
LILLI
LILLI
Website: www.lillimusic.com.au
Instagram: @lilli.official
Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialLILLI/
Spotify: @LILLI
Purchase Anthropology: ozchristianrecords.bandcamp.com/album/anthropology
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Images courtesy of Australian Christian Records
Photographer: Tanya Ewen
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