Tidal awards $100K to 10 artists
Tidal has awarded $100,000 each to ten independent artists through its Headliners contest. Here’s who was selected.
Tidal has announced the winners of its Upload Headliners contest, awarding ten independent artists $100,000 each, distributing a total of $1 million in direct financial support. The initiative is part of the platform’s broader effort to provide alternative pathways for artists operating outside traditional label and distribution systems.
The contest is linked to Tidal Upload, a feature launched in 2025 that allows artists to upload music directly to the streaming service without using a distributor or label intermediary. While Upload releases do not generate streaming royalties, they are eligible for editorial consideration and platform-led opportunities such as the Headliners contest.
According to Tidal, more than 10,000 submissions were reviewed by its editorial team before the final ten artists were selected. The winners span a wide range of genres, reflecting the diversity of independent music being created beyond mainstream pipelines.
The ten artists selected represent a range of genres, from R&B and pop to country, hip-hop and Latin music, demonstrating the diversity of talent emerging outside mainstream channels. The winners are:
• Annisse (R&B)
• Sloane Simon (Pop)
• Brett Sheroky (Country)
• Felix Ames (R&B/Neo-Soul)
• Mo J. Simpson (Hip-Hop/Rap)
• TOP MEECH (Hip-Hop/Rap)
• Michi Sanz (Latin)
• Astor Walk (Pop)
• Nnena (R&B)
• Lily Amilco (Pop)
Each artist will receive $100,000 with no restrictions on how the funds can be used. Tidal has said the money is intended to provide meaningful financial freedom, allowing artists to invest in recording, promotion, touring, equipment, or personal expenses that support long-term sustainability.
Singer-songwriter Lily Amilco was one of the first winners to be publicly announced, receiving recognition for her track Close Encounters. Her selection helped set the tone for the contest, which prioritises originality, consistency and audience engagement rather than streaming volume alone.
The Upload Headliners initiative highlights a different approach to artist support at a time when many musicians continue to raise concerns about streaming payouts and economic viability. Rather than focusing on incremental revenue from streams, Tidal’s model places emphasis on direct funding and visibility, particularly for artists early in their careers.
While Upload has faced some criticism for not offering royalties, the Headliners contest demonstrates how platforms may experiment with alternative compensation models. For the ten artists selected, the award represents a substantial investment that could significantly accelerate their careers.