Emo, pop-punk and alternative kids of the past, present and future, it is time to unite. AP(not)MAs 2026 is approaching quickly.

Have no clue what the AP(not)MAs are? You have arrived at the right place. Keep reading to learn about the history of this social media-fueled alternative music awards show, which may become your new favorite niche annual tradition.

Valerie, known as @valeriesvoice on TikTok, launched the award show in 2020 as a parody of the Alternative Press Music Awards (APMAs), which ran from 2014 to 2017. However, she added her own fun and unique twist to the concept. Instead of sticking to traditional categories like “Best Album” or “Song of the Year,” the awards presented categories like “White Boy of the Month of the Year,” “Best Fanbase Scandal” and “Lifetime Achievement Award: Honorary Member of the Scene.” (The categories fans actually care about).

From 2020 to now, the show has evolved from a simple fan survey to a full awards show. Over the last few years, it has not only grown in the number of voters, but also featured many guest presenters. Previous years have featured Awsten Knight, Thneed Girl, Bonnie Fraser of Stand Atlantic, Devin Papadol of Honey Revenge, Scene Queen, Thriller Records, Daisy Grenade, Punk Rock Saves Lives, Tate Logan of Idobi Radio and FEELSGOOD, As It Is and more. 

So, who has won in the past? Here are some highlights of previous winners: 

2020:

Most Unnecessarily Dramatic: Awsten Knight 

Best Scandal: Frank Iero being put on the FBI Watchlist

2021:

Most Likely To Fight A Child: Ronnie Radke

Best #GirlBoss Moment: Hayley Williams (her existence as a whole)

2022: 

Most Obscure Merch Item: Hot Mulligan Gallon of Milk

Most 2014 Tumblr Moment: Dan Howell being at a My Chemical Romance concert

2023:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Honorary Member of the Scene: Kelly Clarkson

Most Obscure Side Hustle: Ryan Seamen (allegedly) embezzling $26K 

2024: 

“White Boy Of The Month” Of The Year: Lucas Woodland

Most Unnecessary Discourse: Is The Rowing Pit Cringe?

2025:

Tour Incident of The Year: “Girl I really don’t think you should take that” (Twenty One Pilots drum thief)

Next Thing to Plague Our Scene in 2026: Brendon Urie comeback

Now that you have a feel for the vibe of the show, how can you get involved and watch the shenanigans of the 2026 AP(not)MAs unfold? See below for this year’s schedule:

• November 2nd – Categories announced/nominations open
• November 6 –  Nominees revealed/voting opens
• November 16 – Voting closes at 11:59 EST
• November 20 – Award show at 9pm EST

Make sure to mark those dates on your calendar. You don’t want to miss all the festivities. Of course, you’ll also want to campaign for your favorites to earn nominations and win in their respective categories.

To get the fun started early and get the competitive energy going, we have the pleasure of announcing a new category for 2026. 

Drumroll, please………

MOST LIKELY TO HAVE AN OFF-BRAND SPIRIT HALLOWEEN COSTUME

If you have a band or artist you think deserves to be nominated, time to get to work! Post those TikToks, make those stories, hang up posters, do whatever you need to do to make sure your fave is on the ballot. 

Want to stay in the loop? Make sure you are following Valerie on Instagram @valeries_voice and TikTok @valeriesvoice to keep up to date on everything related to this year’s AP(not)MAs, including official announcements and links for voting. You can also head to her YouTube channel to check out last year’s show. 

Valerie has plenty of surprises up her sleeve and 2026 is set to be the biggest year yet. It is one you do not want to miss. Make sure to tune in. We definitely will be. 

Let us know you hope to win a coveted AP(not)MA this year, and we will see you at the polls soon!