CMAT has done it again. Her album EURO-COUNTRY has snagged the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Album Of The Year for 2025, cementing her position as a leading voice in contemporary Irish music. But this isn’t just about critical acclaim; it’s about a carefully constructed narrative of authenticity and reinvention that’s playing out perfectly for the ‘Dunboyne Diana.’
- CMAT secures her second Choice Music Prize Album Of The Year award.
- Amble dominated the night, winning both Irish Song of the Year and Breakthrough Irish Artist of the Year.
- Horslips were honored with the Classic Irish Album award for their 1973 LP The Táin.
The announcement, made by Barry Devlin of Horslips at Vicar Street in Dublin, follows a judging process involving Irish music media professionals. This win is particularly interesting when you consider the shortlist – a strong field including Amble, Bricknasty, and Joshua Burnside. CMAT’s victory suggests the judges were responding to the album’s unique blend of country, pop, and deeply personal songwriting. It’s a sound that’s resonated with audiences, but more importantly, it’s a sound that’s *marketable*.
This is CMAT’s second time taking home the Album of the Year prize, having previously won in 2022 for If My Wife New I’d Be Dead. That debut established her as an artist willing to be vulnerable and self-deprecating. EURO-COUNTRY feels like a step forward, a refinement of that persona, and a bolder statement of artistic intent. The €10,000 prize, provided by the Irish Music Rights Organisation and the Irish Recorded Music Association, is a nice boost, but the real value is in the prestige.
Amble’s double win – Irish Song of the Year for “Schoolyard Days” (chosen by public vote) and Breakthrough Irish Artist of the Year – is a fascinating counterpoint. It demonstrates the power of direct fan engagement, something CMAT also leverages effectively through social media. The presentation of the Breakthrough award by DJ Próvai of KNEECAP also signals a broadening of the Choice Music Prize’s reach, acknowledging the influence of different genres and scenes.
The evening also included a nod to Irish music history with Horslips receiving the Classic Irish Album award for The Táin. It’s a smart move by the Choice Music Prize to connect the present with the past, reminding everyone of the rich legacy that CMAT and other contemporary artists are building upon.
Looking ahead, CMAT is poised to capitalize on this momentum. Expect a strategic rollout of festival appearances and potentially a larger international push. This win isn’t just a celebration of a great album; it’s a launchpad for the next phase of her career, and a masterclass in how to build and maintain a compelling artist brand.
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