Rap loses out at the ADISQ Gala, but gains in popularity

The 47th Gala of the ADISQ was held at the salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of the Place des Arts, has Montreal. The event was broadcast from 8 p.m. on ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV, Radio-Canada.ca/adisq, as well as on the platforms ICI MUSIQUE and Radio-Canada OHdio, allowing the public to attend it live across the country. Under the contagious energy of Pierre-Yves Roy-Desmarais, the Gala included several artists from the Hip-Hop culture among the nominees, confirming the strong presence of Quebec rap at the center of today’s music scene.

Our journalist Métis Wallace was on site in the press room with his acolyte and co-host Number Juan from the radio show On s’en rap to cover the event in real time.

Photo: Julien Clairoux (Métis Wallace on the red carpet at the 47th ADISQ Gala 2025)

Whether they are galas like: ADISQ, The Flames and Franco Votes, who works to create the first francophone category at the GRAMMY Awards in gathering the support of the industry in order to demonstrate to the organization the importance of francophone musical culture, all participate in the same movement: to radiate the French language and its musical heritage on the world stage.

The 47th Gala of the ADISQ opened on a message full of emotion signed Serge Fiori. The songwriter, an emblematic figure of Quebec music, delivered a few words that touched the room:

"Everything is in the other, everything is in the us, we must not forget it. You must keep Quebec in your heart, please, in everything you do. We love you with love. We will never know how to thank you enough. Thank you.”

His words were welcomed by a standing ovation, launching the evening on a note both unifying and full of recognition towards the local music scene.

The ceremony then opened with an energetic performance of Fredz, who performed his song Le stade, finalist for the Song of the Year. He was followed by Billie du Page, which offered Fake Friends, before giving way to Jay Scøtt, came to deliver a performance inspired by Woodstock.

Photo : Julien Clairoux

The moment climaxed in a musical table gathering : Billie du Page and Fredz have joined Jay Scøtt on stage to conclude the song in a festive and complicit atmosphere, greeted by the audience’s loud applause.

The gala bet just with a opening to the cinematographic tone, alternating introduction sequences and neat transitions. The animator Pierre-Yves Roy-Desmarais has moreover set the tone with a humorous and scripted entry, showing him in a fictional nightmare where he found himself alone on stage in his underwear before being brought back to reality by the unique Marjo. A successful staging that marked the beginning of a gala as entertaining as it was symbolic.

Indigenous artist of the year

In the category Indigenous artist of the year, the victory returned to Elisapie, honored for her remarkable journey and growing influence. Although Samian did not win the Félix, his presence among the finalists reminded the importance of his work and his pioneering role in Indigenous Hip-Hop.

Rapper, poet and activist, he remains an essential voice of francophone rap culture and continues to inspire a generation of indigenous artists across the country.

During his acceptance speech, Elisapie has spoken words that will resonate for a long time:

"We are a millennial people who have been here for a long time."

Photo: Métis Wallace

Album of the Year – Popular Success

In the category Album of the Year – Popular Success, victory has returned to the Cowboys Fringants for Pub Royal. Souldia, who was among the finalists with Nouvelle vie, therefore did not add a new trophy to his list of achievements this year.

Photo: Métis Wallace

Photo: Métis Wallace

He nevertheless retains a historic record of three Félix in the category Album of the Year – Rap, a feat he confirmed during the First Gala of November 5.

For Aswell and Jay Scøtt, also nominated in this category, the evening ended without a trophy, but their presence confirms their position at the heart of Quebec’s musical landscape. As often, the Hip-Hop scene remains well represented, and their time will undoubtedly come very soon.

Band or duo of the year

Later in the evening, Viviane Audet and Damien Robitaille went on stage to present the category Band or duo of the year, A public prize particularly followed.

The duo Rau_Ze, who wore the colors of R&B and urban soul, was among the finalists but did not win the Félix. Their nomination nevertheless remains a great recognition for a project that embodies the link between the Hip-Hop scene, alternative music and new sounds from here.

Show of the year

Finally, in the category Show of the Year, the Felix was handed over to Lou-Adriane Cassidy for Diary of a Werewolf. This triumph highlights the quality of his staging and the strength of his musical universe.

For their part, Souldia, Fredz and Jay Scøtt, also nominated, can be proud to have raised the Hip-Hop culture in the most prestigious categories of the Gala.

Artist of the year – International influence

In the category Artist of the year – International influence, Fredz was among the nominees for its growing influence with French-speaking audiences around the world.

Even if he did not win the trophy, his nomination confirms the international reach of Quebec rap and the vitality of the next generation. More and more artists from here, whether they come from rap, R&B or urban pop, cross cultural and linguistic boundaries today.

The angels Sarahmée and Rymz descended on stage.

The audience was then treated to an eloquent performance of Sarahmée, who delivered The hard way with remarkable assurance and intensity.

She was quickly joined by Rymz, who followed up with High on Life, marking its entrance with a masterful stage presence, worthy of one of the guardian angels of Hip-Hop culture, the kind of angel who brings light to a culture that literally needs it. Without voice back, Rymz offered a pure and sincere performance, demonstrating once again his mastery of the scene.

The duo found themselves then for Life before, a strong moment of emotion that made the room vibrate.

This sequence confirmed the central role of Sarahmée and Rymz as major faces of current Quebec rap, able to unite energy, technique and authenticity in a television setting for the general public.

Song of the year

The category Song of the Year was particularly expected, with Fredz (Le stade) and Jay Scøtt (Woodstock) competing alongside several big names in Quebec music.
Finally, it is Lou-Adriane Cassidy who won the Félix de la Chanson de l'année for Dis-moi, Dis-moi, Dis-moi (Radio Edit).

A victory that comes to crown a strong year for the artist, while Fredz and Jay Scøtt leave without a trophy, but with the satisfaction of having offered remarkable performances that confirm the rise of rap from here on the mainstream scene.

Male Artist of the Year

In the category Male Artist of the Year, The prize was awarded to Pierre Lapointe, Jay Scøtt and Fredz were both among the finalists, testifying to the growing recognition of rap in the more general spheres of the Quebec music industry.

However, neither of the two won the Félix this year. Their nomination marks however an important step: that of a generation of Hip-Hop artists now considered in the same way as the major figures of the song here.

The assessment of this 47th Gala of the ADISQ is clear: rap is loser in all categories, but winner in terms of visibility.

Hip-Hop artists were everywhere: on stage, in nominations, in discussions, in minds.

The industry now has the responsibility to build on solid, And we all know it, Hip-hop in Quebec is solid stuff..

Bravo to all the artists, and best luck next time.

Don’t forget to lend your support by signing the form on the official website of FrancoVote, so that French-speaking music is finally recognized by GRAMMY Awards by the Recording Academy.

SEE THE SITE OF FRANCO VOTES TO GIVE MY SUPPORT.

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