JK Labajo, BINI, Vice Ganda among early Star Awards winners

The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) has announced the partial list of winners for the 17th Star Awards for Music which include singer-songwriter Juan Karlos “JK” Labajo and comedian-host Vice Ganda, along with P-pop powerhouse BINI.

JK won Male Acoustic Artist of the Year for his song “Tanga Mo Juan,” beating a strong lineup of nominees that included Amiel Sol (Sa Bawat Sandali), Noel Cabangon (Aking Diwata), Ice Seguerra (ATM), and TJ Monterde (Sariling Mundo). JK is still in the running for several major awards including Male Recording Artist of the Year and Male Concert Performer.

"Unkabogable" Star Vice Ganda, meanwhile, stood out in the Christmas Song of the Year for “Rainbow Christmas,” besting six other holiday tracks.

BINI added another trophy in their display rack after taking Dance Recording of the Year for their 2024 single “Salamin, Salamin” from their debut EP. Sharing the same category win is up and coming P-pop boy band BILIB, composed of Yukito, Zio, JMAC, RC, Clyde, Carlo, and Rafael, for their track “Say Whatcha Wanna Say.” 

BINI remains a strong contender in several major categories, including Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Duo/Group Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Pop Album of the Year. 

Other winners in the first batch include Sponge Cola as Rock Artist of the Year for “Tatlong Buwan,” Zéla as Female R&B Artist of the Year for “Pogi Boy,” and Kris Lawrence as Male R&B Artist of the Year for “Within.” Angela Ken won Female Acoustic Artist of the Year for “Kulimlim.” 

In the collaboration category, “Palagi” by TJ Montero x KZ Tandingan and “Hanggang Dulo” by Jos Garcia x Nolo Lopez were both recognized. Rap honors went to Shanti Dope for Rap Album of the Year with “Drugs” and Illest Morena for Rap Artist of the Year with “Morenita.”

PIX!E was named New Female Group Artist of the Year for “Iced Coffee,” while Five Fingers won New Male Group Artist of the Year for “Lakas Mo.” 

Khel Pangilinan won Revival Recording of the Year for “Ipagpatawad Mo,” while Inspirational Song of the Year went to “Pagmamahal sa Tinubuang Lupa” by Kayla Acosta and collaborators, and “Ningas ng Pag-asa” by Jamie Rivera featuring 92 AD.

Winners in other major categories—including Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Duo/Group Artist of the Year, Concert of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, and others—will be announced during the main awards night.

The awards will be formally presented on Thursday, June 25. Jayda Avanzado, Dylan Menor, Jarren Garcia, and Marthena Jickain will host, while performances from Garcia, Sam Concepcion, and Moira Dela Torre are lined up.

The awards night will also include special awards for OPM icons Celeste Legaspi, Mon del Rosario, and Andrew E., special recognition of The Rainmakers’ 50 years in music, and musical numbers from Jojo Mendrez and other artists.