MusicNL has announced the nominations for its 2026 awards, featuring a diverse array of artists from Newfoundland and Labrador.

The annual awards serve as a primary benchmark for musical achievement in the region, highlighting the growth of the local industry and providing visibility to both established and emerging performers.

Francophone folk duo Port-Aux-Poutines, consisting of Jenna Maloney and Axel Belgarde, and solo artist Rachel Cousins are leading the field with five nominations each [1], [2]. Other top contenders include Mallory Johnson and the group With Violent, who earned four nominations each [3].

In total, MusicNL has recognized 117 nominees for the 2026 awards [3]. The organization said the nominations are designed to recognize and celebrate musical achievements within the province [1].

"Port-Aux-Poutines and Rachel Cousins lead the nominations with five each," CBC News said [1]. The high volume of nominees reflects a broad spectrum of genres and styles currently active in the Atlantic Canadian music scene.

"Francophone folk duo Jenna Maloney and Axel Belgarde, known as Port-Aux-Poutines, and solo artist Rachel Cousins have an armful of nominations each," MSN said [2].

The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for the first week of October 2026 [3].

“Port-Aux-Poutines and Rachel Cousins lead the nominations with five each”

The 2026 MusicNL nominations underscore the continuing diversity of the Newfoundland and Labrador music scene. The strong presence of a Francophone folk duo like Port-Aux-Poutines alongside solo artists and groups suggests a widening of the cultural footprint within the province's music industry, moving beyond traditional folk roots toward a more eclectic regional identity.