Folk Alliance International has opened voting for the 2025 International Folk Music Awards, with members now invited to cast ballots for Song, Album and Artist of the Year through 11:59 p.m. CT on Dec. 19.

The awards will be presented during the 38th Annual Folk Alliance International Conference on Jan. 21 at the Sheraton New Orleans, where artists, industry leaders and community advocates will be recognized for their contributions to the folk world. Finalists are selected by a committee of FAI staff and board members, and winners are chosen by the organization’s voting membership.

This year’s nominees include Abbie Gardner, Carsie Blanton, Crys Matthews, I’m With Her, Ordinary Elephant and Sam Robbins for Artist of the Year. Song of the Year contenders range from Woody Guthrie’s “Ain’t Afraid to Die” to Crys Matthews’ “Sleeves Up” and the all-women trio I’m With Her’s “Sisters of the Night Watch.” Album of the Year nominees include Arcadia by Alison Krauss & Union Station, CHURCH by Flamy Grant, Reclamation by Crys Matthews and Room on the Porch by Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’.

Global Folk Album of the Year finalists—sponsored by Songlines—feature works by Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali, Trio Da Kali, Hajda Banda, Rastak, The Baltic Sisters and Votia.

FAI will also present several special honors, including the Clearwater Award to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival for its decades of environmental leadership, and the Rising Tide Award to acoustic guitarist and composer Yasmin Williams. Additional awards recognize Kyshona with the People’s Voice Award; Taj Mahal, Clifton Chenier and Louisiana Folk Roots with Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Awards; and four Spirit of Folk Award honorees: Alex Mallett, Cindy Cogbill, Laura Thomas and Rachel Ornelas.

The Folk Radio Hall of Fame will induct Ron Olesko, Susan Forbes Hansen, Kieran Hanrahan and Michael Stock for their decades of influence across airwaves and community spaces.

A full list of nominees and honorees is available through Folk Alliance International. Current FAI members in good standing are welcome to vote here.