Kingdom Image Awards

One night. The whole city.
The people carrying the work, finally given the recognition they have earned.

November 5–7, 2026 · Columbus, Ohio

—Days

—Hours

—Minutes

—Seconds

This year’s theme

Ruby Hollywood Glam.

Three nights in Columbus, November 5 to 7, 2026. Download the lookbook, share it, and dress for the room.

Download the lookbook

About the Awards

The nation’s premier awards production.

Comparable to the Grammys, as noted by global icon Twinkie Clark. The Kingdom Image Awards recognizes every performing arts genre, alongside entrepreneurs, influencers, and media personalities, promoting unity across diverse communities.

More than a ceremony, it is a platform, advancing artists across a full weekend of can’t-miss events built for real personal and artistic development.

NetworkingCollaborationDiversityEducationSupport

KIA Academy

Join the KIA community of innovative creatives.

The KIA Academy represents the voices of all creative professionals: performers, songwriters, executives, producers, engineers, creator representatives, music educators, and more. Shaping an inclusive and integral industry, together.

Academy membership has replaced public voting, so the Kingdom Image Awards are decided by industry peers. It runs a full year from the date of purchase.

VIP awards ticketIndustry voting privilegeCelebrity VIP receptionMasterclass sessionsBranded merchandiseEntrepreneur University, tuition free

One membership per person. Non-refundable and non-transferable.

Join the KIA community of innovative creatives. Membership offers VIP tickets to the annual Kingdom Image Awards, exclusive celebrity VIP reception, industry voting privilege, masterclass sessions with industry experts, branded merchandise, and tuition-free participation in Entrepreneur University. Membership is offered for one full year from the time of full payment.

What we honor

The Categories

01Artist of the Year

02Album of the Year

03Song of the Year

04Female Artist of the Year

05Male Artist of the Year

06Best New Artist

07Best Female Vocalist

08Best Male Vocalist

09Hip Hop Artist of the Year

10Inspirational Artist of the Year

11Instrumentalist of the Year

12Producer of the Year

13Large Group of the Year

14Small Group / Duo

15Media Outlet of the Year

16Influencer of the Year

17Author of the Year

18Kingdom Business of the Year

Last year · A look back

The 2025 Winners

Album of the YearRika Fanning

Author of the YearLa Ronda Shepard

Artist of the YearDestinee Fitzpatrick

Best Female VocalistTy Scott King

Best Male VocalistEric Lee

Best New ArtistEric Lee

Female Artist of the YearRika Fanning

Hip Hop Artist of the YearTramaine Long

Influencer of the YearLetecia Cunningham

Inspirational Artist of the YearMichael Williams

Instrumentalist of the YearRika Fanning

Kingdom Business of the YearHope City Records

Large Group of the YearPine Forge Academy Choir

Male Artist of the YearLamont McCoy

Media Outlet of the YearThe Vibe5

Producer of the YearErnest Lee

Small Group / DuoShawn Xavier Jones & The Company

Song of the YearDestinee Fitzpatrick

“This feels like the Grammys.”

Twinkie Clark · Global Icon

Attend

Choose your access.

Three nights. The Thursday and Friday shows are sold here; Saturday’s reserved seating is chosen on a seat map.

Thursday, November 5

The Influence of Art

$40

7:00 PM at the Joseph Canzini Center, 60 Cleveland Avenue. Featuring DJ Mr. King, Ria Blaq and exclusive performances.

Friday, November 6

Pre-Show featuring Isaac Carree

$25

7:30 to 9:30 PM at the Joseph Canzini Center, 60 Cleveland Avenue. Live performances and a portion of the 2026 Nominee Awards.

Saturday, November 7

Main Celebration

$34 to $74

Ruby Red Hollywood Glam. 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Davidson Theatre, Riffe Center. The ceremony, the carpet, and reserved seating chosen from a seat map.

The Room