The critics have had their say – as have an unprecedented number of Limelight‘s readers.

The Australian Artist of the Year and People’s Choice for the Australian Artist of the Year is Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor Simone Young, the International Artist of the Year is the pianist Stephen Hough and The Tallis Scholars are the 2025 winner of Limelight’s People’s Choice for International Artist of the Year.

Limelight’s 2025 Australian Artist of the Year, Simone Young. Photo © Sydney Symphony Orchestra

For Young, it’s a third Australian Artist of the Year title (following wins in 2018 and 2022). “To be recognised by audiences as well as critics means a great deal to me,” she said, reflecting on a year in which her tenure as Chief Conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was extended to 2029 and her international standing scaled new heights.