Spotlight on Epic Music Moments: Chappell Roan, Charli XCX & Doja Cat Shine Bright!

Abbey Road studios in London has announced the nominees for its annual Music Photography Awards, a celebration of the best images capturing the world of music. This year, the competition was fierce, with more than 20,000 photographs submitted from 30 different countries. The photos feature a wide range of music stars, including Chappell Roan, Lana Del Rey, Charli XCX, Tyler the Creator, Pulp, The 1975, Maggie Rogers, Fontaines DC, Doja Cat, Central Cee, and Burna Boy. Fans are invited to vote for their favorite music moment of the year on the Music Photography Awards website until 23 September, and the winners will be revealed at a ceremony at Abbey Road on 2 October.

One of the standout images is of Chappell Roan performing live, dressed in a pink leotard decorated with stars, thigh-high boots, and a superhero mask. She stands confidently on stage with her hand raised, embodying the energy of live music. Another striking photo shows Doja Cat and her dancers in furry white costumes, creating a dramatic scene on stage. Charli XCX is also featured in a memorable shot, wearing a short white outfit and getting drenched with water while singing, capturing the intensity and excitement of a live performance.

This year, the awards have introduced two new categories: portrait and festivals, along with a guest category called club culture. All 40 nominated images from the eight open categories are on display at Outernet's Now Pop One venue in London from 19 to 23 September, giving fans a chance to see the work up close. Mark Robertson, Abbey Road's director of marketing and creative, praised the photographers for their talent and said that music photography is an art form that shapes culture. Other notable photos include a smoky nightclub scene, a muddy festival moment with Enter Shikari, a profile shot of The Cure's Robert Smith, and a black and white image of Nile Rodgers' hand holding a guitar pick. There are also portraits of Benny Blanco eating in a restaurant, Ken Carson in black and white, and Matty Healy from The 1975 surrounded by musical instruments. These images offer a glimpse into the vibrant and creative world of music, showing both the performers and the atmosphere that surrounds them.