Tencent Musics 2026 TMElive International Music Awards Celebrate Global Music at Hong Kongs Kai Tak Stadium

On August 23, 2026, the second edition of the TMElive International Music Awards (TIMA) drew to a close after two days of electrifying performances and award presentations at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium. Organized by Tencent Music Entertainment Group, the ceremony brought together 34 artists from China, Europe, the United States, Japan, Korea and Thailand for a cross‑language, cross‑genre celebration that underscored the company’s ambition to position itself as a global music hub.

The 50,000‑seat Kai Tak Stadium—part of the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park that opened to the public in March 2025—served as the backdrop for TIMA’s most ambitious staging to date. The move from the inaugural 2025 venue to the larger stadium marked a decisive scale increase. The stage was outfitted with high‑specification production equipment and divided into three thematic chapters—Sparkle, Starlight and Aurora—each blending live performances with immersive multimedia displays.

The awards segment honored a broad spectrum of talent. Stray Kids took home International Group of the Year, while Charlie Puth was named International Artist of the Year. SUPER JUNIOR captured The Most Influential International Group of the Year, and G‑DRAGON’s album "Übermensch" earned International Digital Album of the Year. William Chan was awarded Asian Crossover Artist of the Year, and MC Michael Cheung Tin Fu received Recommended Asian Artist of the Year.

The lineup reflected the event’s global remit. Acts such as TAEYONG, NexT1DE, KiiiKiii, CIIU, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, NOWZ, Hearts2Hearts, Daniel Seavey, 82MAJOR, ALLDAY PROJECT, MC Michael Cheung Tin Fu, YEONJUN, BABYMONSTER, RIIZE, aespa, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, SUPER JUNIOR, WayV, NEXZ, UNCHILD, NuNew, MODYSSEY, KickFlip, AND2BLE, EVAN, MEOVV, William Chan, PLAVE, NMIXX, NCT WISH, IVE, TAEYEON, Charlie Puth and Stray Kids performed, illustrating the breadth of musical styles and regions represented.

Tencent Music, which operates QQ Music, KuGou, Kuwo and WeSing, boasts more than 800 million active users and 120 million paying subscribers. Its foray into an international awards platform aligns with a broader strategy to expand its global footprint and foster cross‑cultural musical exchange.

Industry observers noted that the second edition of TIMA has amplified its influence relative to the inaugural event. Tens of thousands of fans attended in person, and the presence of high‑profile artists from around the world has cemented the awards as a coveted venue for cross‑cultural collaboration.

The ceremony also highlighted the growing significance of music awards that transcend linguistic and national boundaries. By creating categories such as International Group of the Year and Asian Crossover Artist of the Year, TIMA has established a framework that recognizes artists whose appeal extends beyond their home markets.

In a statement, a Tencent Music spokesperson said the company will continue to prioritize high‑quality content and international collaboration in future editions of TIMA. The organization plans to explore new possibilities in musical expression while promoting exchange and development across the music industries in China and worldwide.

The 2026 TIMA concluded with a final performance that showcased the event’s diverse lineup. The awards ceremony was streamed worldwide, and coverage on social media platforms reached millions of viewers. The success of the second edition confirms TIMA’s role as a significant event in the global music calendar.

As the music industry continues to integrate cross‑regional talent, TIMA’s expansion and the recognition of artists such as Stray Kids, Charlie Puth and SUPER JUNIOR demonstrate the growing trend of international collaboration and the importance of platforms that celebrate music beyond national borders.