Flemish singer Pommelien Thijs (22) is the big winner at the MIAs, the Flemish music industry awards. She won five prizes. Her wins include the new category "Solo artist" and "Hit of the Year", for "Op of eronder" (Up or down). No other artist won more than one award this year. Metejoor and Camille were left empty-handed. Remarkably enough, almost all winners in categories where the public had a say, produce Dutch-language music.
With nine nominations, Pommelien Thijs was the big favourite this year. Nominations do not guarantee prizes, but with five prizes - all in categories where the public could vote – she towers over the competition. In barely two years, she has collected eight MIAs, having won three straight away last year as a newcomer.
Her radio hit "Erop or eronder", which earlier won the Summer Hit prize, also won the MIA for "Hit of the Year". Her debut album "Per ongeluk" (By Accident), wins best album award. Thijs also wins in the Pop, Dutch-song and Solo artist categories. The latter MIA is new: starting this year, there is no longer a separate award for best solo male and female artist.
Big winner is Dutch-language music
What stands out in the public’s awards: Dutch-language music is ubiquitous across all genres. As many as 9 of the 11 MIAs go to artists making music in Dutch.
Regi wins the “Dance” MIA for the third year in a row. Bazart wins the “Group” award for the fifth time since 2016. The award for "Breakthrough" goes to Aaron Blommaert, who, following his win in "The Masked Singer", launched his first solo single "Zonde" (“Sin” or “Shame”), in Dutch. "It’s surreal," he says.
The evening's most surprised winner was Hugo Sigal, who won the MIA in the "Flemish Popular" category. He won the MIA in that category back in 2008 together with his wife Nicole Josy. After her death, and at 75 he released his first solo album "Dromen” (Dreams). He continues to perform and act in musicals without Nicole.