SB19, Maki, TJ Monterde among nominees at Music Awards Japan 2025
(From left) SB19, Maki, and TJ Monterde. Images: X/@SB19Official, @clfrnia_maki, and @tjmusicmonterde
SB19, Maki, and TJ Monterde are carrying the glory of OPM as the only Filipino nominees in the upcoming Music Awards Japan 2025, which will take place in May in Kyoto.
The P-pop powerhouse is nominated for Special Award: Oshi-Katsu Request Artist of the Year, while Maki’s “Dilaw” and Monterde’s “Palagi” earned nods for the Best of Listeners Choice: International Song category, as revealed on the awards-giving body’s website.
Joining SB19 in the pool of nominees are J-pop groups Nogizaka46, JO1, and INI, as well as K-pop artists V (of BTS) and Tomorrow X Together, to name a few.
SB19 is among the nominees for Special Award: Oshi-Katsu Request Artist of the Year at the 2025 Music Awards Japan. Image: Music Awards Japan’s official website
Meanwhile, Maki and Monterde’s songs are nominated alongside aespa’s “Whiplash” and “Supernova”, NewJeans’ “Supernatural” and “How Sweet”, LE SSERAFIM’s “Perfect Night” and “Crazy”, Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT.”, Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True”, Seventeen’s “Shohikigen”, and ILLIT’s “Magnetic”, among others.
Maki’s “Dilaw” and TJ Monterde’s “Palagi” are nominated for Best of Listeners’ Choice: International Song at the 2025 Music Awards Japan. Image: Music Awards Japan’s official website
Held in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), the 2025 edition of the Music Awards Japan will be held on May 21 and 22 at the ROHM Theatre in Kyoto, Japan. Global fans can watch the ceremony on the Japan Music Awards’ YouTube channel.
According to its official website, winners will be selected through a “rigorous voting process with over 5,000 voting members” consisting of music professionals, overseas music awards judges, and music critics.
SB19 — composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin — is set to release their third EP “Simula at Wakas” on April 25. The quintet will kick off their “Simula at Wakas” world tour at the Philippine Arena on May 31 and June 1.
Born Ralph William Datoon, Maki gained mainstream popularity after his song “Saan?” went viral on social media. He went on to release a string of hit songs, including “Dilaw” and “Namumula.” The singer-songwriter earlier announced that he will drop his upcoming album “Kolorcoaster.”
Monterde started his singing career in 2013, where he is known for his songs “Dating Tayo,” “Ikaw At Ako,” and “Tulad Mo,” but it was the 2023 song “Palagi” that catapulted him into widespread recognition.
