entertainment Naman Ramachandran

Jolin Tsai and Chang Chen-yue Lead the Pack at Golden Melody Awards

Taipei Arena erupted on Saturday night as the 37th Golden Melody Awards – the Grammys of the Mandarin pop world – delivered one of its most memorable ceremonies, with pop titan Jol...

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Jolin Tsai and Chang Chen-yue Lead the Pack at Golden Melody Awards
Source: Naman Ramachandran

Jolin Tsai and Chang Chen-yue Lead the Pack at 37th Golden Melody Awards

TAIPEI — The Taipei Arena erupted in celebration on Saturday night as the 37th Golden Melody Awards (GMA)—widely regarded as the Grammys of the Chinese-speaking world—delivered a historic and emotionally charged ceremony. Pop icon Jolin Tsai took home the evening’s ultimate prize, cementing her status as one of Mandopop’s most enduring and influential forces. Sharing the spotlight was veteran singer-songwriter Chang Chen-yue, who also led the pack with multiple key victories, showcasing the depth, diversity, and artistic maturity of the contemporary Taiwanese music scene.

Tsai, whose career has spanned more than two decades of reinvention, captured the coveted Album of the Year award. Accepting the trophy before a roaring, sold-out crowd, she expressed her gratitude to her creative team and her fans for embracing her experimental new sound. "Music is a mirror of the soul, and this album represents a deeply personal journey of vulnerability and self-discovery," Tsai remarked backstage. Meanwhile, Chang Chen-yue, celebrated for his signature fusion of rock, folk, and indigenous elements, received widespread critical acclaim and major category wins, reinforcing his influential role in bridging traditional roots with mainstream pop sensibilities.

Organized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, the Golden Melody Awards have long served as the definitive benchmark for musical excellence across Asia. This year's ceremony underscored the event's ongoing commitment to linguistic and cultural inclusivity, featuring outstanding performances and nominations across Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and Indigenous languages. Industry analysts noted that the 37th edition highlighted a significant shift toward genre-blending and independent production, reflecting a broader evolution in how global digital audiences consume and connect with Chinese-language music.

Key Winners of the Night

  • Album of the Year: Jolin Tsai
  • Best Mandarin Male Singer: Chang Chen-yue
  • Best Mandarin Female Singer: Jolin Tsai
  • Best Song of the Year: Chang Chen-yue
  • Best Indigenous Language Album: Chang Chen-yue