AceShowbiz - The fifth annual Abbey Road Music Photography Awards (MPAs) will feature an impressive judging panel, including acclaimed singer-songwriter Raye and legendary guitarist and producer Nile Rodgers. These two music icons are set to help select the winners of the 2026 competition, which honors exceptional music and concert photography from across the globe.

The MPAs are a free-to-enter contest that celebrates the art of capturing live music moments, with winners revealed at a prestigious ceremony scheduled for September 24, 2026, at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London.

The judging panel combines expertise from both professional photographers and well-known musicians. Alongside Raye and Nile Rodgers, musicians on the panel include Damiano David of Måneskin, King Harpoon (Abbey Road's producer-in-residence), indie rocker Lilly Fontaine from English Teacher, and Japanese singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada.

On the photography side, the lineup features prominent figures such as Rankin, the head judge and co-founder of the MPAs, alongside Platon, Dean Chalkley, Dennis Morris, Jackie Lee Young, Phoebe Fox, and Simon Wheatley. Additionally, Rolling Stone’s Sacha Lecca will serve on the shortlist panel with Andreia Lemos, Rich Fury, Khali Ackford, Ebru Yildiz, and Ped Millichamp.

In a special announcement, the MPAs revealed that photographer Roberta Bayley will receive this year’s Icon Award. Bayley is widely celebrated for her seminal work documenting the 1970s New York City punk scene. Her photographs captured legendary figures like Iggy Pop, Debbie Harry and Blondie, Elvis Costello, the Clash, Richard Hell, and X-Ray Spex. One of her most iconic images is the Ramones portrait featured on their 1976 self-titled debut album cover.

The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards continue to spotlight the powerful intersection of music and visual storytelling, with a judging panel that reflects both artistic and musical excellence. The 2026 winners will be unveiled later this year, promising to showcase some of the finest music photography worldwide.