Three titans of music — Queen, Herbie Hancock, and Barbara Hannigan — were awarded the prestigious 2025 Polar Music Prize at a glittering gala in Stockholm, Sweden. Presented by King Carl XVI Gustaf at the Grand Hotel, the ceremony celebrated a lifetime of artistic excellence, with each laureate receiving one million Swedish Krona (approx. £77,000 GBP / $102,000 USD).
Hosted by mezzo-soprano and journalist Boel Adler, the evening featured powerful performances by a stellar line-up of international talent. Adam Lambert, Queen’s current frontman, delivered dramatic renditions of “Who Wants to Live Forever” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” Swedish rock powerhouse Ghost, alongside Opeth’s Fredrik Åkesson, wowed the crowd with an electrifying “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Jazz legends Esperanza Spalding and Robert Glasper teamed up for Herbie Hancock’s classics “Trust Me” and “Watermelon Man,” while French pianist Bertrand Chamayou delivered a surprise tribute to Barbara Hannigan with Ravel and Rudhyar selections.
The evening also spotlighted Argentine GRAMMY-winner Leo Genovese and Swedish stars Miriam Bryant and Erik Grönwall, with additional contributions from the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir and musicians from Musikhögskolan Ingesund. Notable attendees included past laureates such as Nile Rodgers, Max Martin, and Anne-Sophie Mutter.
Accepting on behalf of Queen, drummer Roger Taylor reflected, “The Polar Music Prize is exceptional in that it recognises an artist’s entire career. We’re honoured to be in the company of true musical Olympians.” Guitarist Brian May added, “I think back to the young Brian May in 1974 — he wouldn’t have believed we’d be living this dream 50 years on.”
Herbie Hancock called the award “an incredible honour,” stating, “Music and the arts can illuminate the path to a more peaceful and compassionate world.” Hannigan, in turn, expressed gratitude for her creative partnerships and said she was “humbled to be among such musical royalty.”
Founded in 1989 by ABBA’s manager Stig Anderson, the Polar Music Prize celebrates music’s power and global significance. Past winners include Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Metallica, Ravi Shankar, and Stevie Wonder. For full coverage, visit www.polarmusicprize.org.
