28 Best Songs to Elevate Your Awards Ceremony: The Ultimate Playlist

The red carpet is rolled out, the stars are shining, and the anticipation is electric. Award ceremonies are more than just a celebration of achievements; they're a carefully orchestrated spectacle of music, fashion, and emotion. And what better way to heighten the drama and excitement than with the perfect soundtrack? Finding the best songs for awards ceremonies is a crucial element in crafting a memorable event, whether you're planning your own gala, curating a playlist for a viewing party, or simply reminiscing about iconic moments. From uplifting anthems that inspire a standing ovation to soulful ballads that tug at the heartstrings, the right music sets the tone and elevates the entire experience. This list dives into the timeless classics and modern hits that consistently deliver the magic, ensuring your awards ceremony is one for the ages. Let's explore the songs that have defined some of the most memorable moments in entertainment history!

28 Best Songs to Elevate Your Awards Ceremony: The Ultimate Playlist
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Uptown Funk Mark Ronson
Bruno Mars
Uptown Special 5B+
2. Roar Katy Perry PRISM 4B+
3. Firework Katy Perry Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection 1B+
4. Happy Pharrell Williams G I R L 1B+
5. Eye of the Tiger Survivor Working Class Dog 1B+
6. Moves Like Jagger Christina Aguilera
Maroon 5
Hands All Over 812M+
7. The Greatest Sia This Is Acting (Deluxe Version) 808M+

1. Uptown Funk (2014)

Upbeat Energy: Uptown Funk's infectious groove and relentless rhythm create an undeniable energy perfect for an awards show atmosphere, keeping the audience engaged and excited.

Star Power: The collaboration between Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars guarantees a performance with major star appeal, instantly elevating the event's prestige.

Crowd Pleaser: Its catchy melody and danceable beat will have everyone on their feet, creating a vibrant and memorable moment for the ceremony.

Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson,Bruno Mars

2. Roar (PRISM - 2025)

Anthemic Quality: Roar's powerful vocals and driving beat create an undeniably uplifting and empowering atmosphere, perfect for celebrating achievements and inspiring audiences at an awards ceremony.

Emotional Resonance: The song's message of resilience and self-belief connects deeply with viewers, making it a fitting choice for an event honoring perseverance and success.

Stage Presence: Katy Perry's iconic performances of "Roar" are known for their high energy and visual spectacle, translating well to a televised awards show and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Roar - Katy Perry

3. Firework

Firework by Katy Perry

Anthemic Quality: "Firework" possesses a powerful, uplifting chorus ideal for inspiring moments during an awards ceremony, creating a sense of celebration and achievement.

Vocal Performance: Katy Perry's soaring vocals deliver an emotional punch, perfectly capturing the triumphant and empowering themes resonant with award show audiences.

Broad Appeal: Its radio-friendly pop sound and universally understood message of inner strength make it a safe yet impactful choice for a diverse awards show audience.

Firework - Katy Perry

4. Happy (Pharrell Williams - 2025)

Happy

Artist: Pharrell Williams

Uplifting Melody: Its infectious, feel-good melody creates an atmosphere of pure joy, perfect for celebrating achievements and acknowledging hard work.

Universal Appeal: The song's simple yet powerful message of happiness transcends cultural boundaries, making it a universally relatable and uplifting choice for any awards ceremony.

Memorable Moment: The music video's vibrant visuals and celebrity cameos add to its iconic status, ensuring a memorable and widely-recognized moment during an awards show.

Happy - Pharrell Williams

5. Eye of the Tiger (Working Class Dog)

Uplifting Anthem: "Eye of the Tiger" possesses an undeniable, triumphant energy perfect for celebrating achievements and inspiring awardees, setting a celebratory tone for the entire event.

Iconic Status: Its instantly recognizable melody and powerful rhythm create a memorable and impactful moment, ensuring the song remains etched in the minds of the audience long after the ceremony concludes.

Broad Appeal: The song's classic rock sound transcends generational divides, making it a universally appealing choice for a diverse awards show audience.

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

6. Moves Like Jagger (Hands All Over)

High Energy Performance: "Moves Like Jagger" boasts a driving beat and infectious rhythm perfect for creating a dynamic and exciting atmosphere at an awards show.

Star Power Collaboration: The pairing of Christina Aguilera and Maroon 5 brings undeniable star power and vocal prowess, guaranteeing a memorable performance.

Instant Recognition and Crowd Pleaser: Its instantly recognizable hook and catchy chorus will have the entire audience singing along, making it an ideal choice for a celebratory event.

Moves Like Jagger - Christina Aguilera,Maroon 5

7. The Greatest (Sia)

Vocal Performance: Sia's powerhouse vocals are undeniably captivating, delivering an emotional resonance perfect for a poignant awards ceremony moment.

Anthemic Quality: The soaring melody and uplifting lyrics create a celebratory atmosphere, making it ideal for a triumphant acceptance speech backdrop.

Emotional Impact: "The Greatest" evokes a sense of resilience and hope, aligning well with the inspirational narratives often present at awards shows.

The Greatest - Sia

8. I Gotta Feeling (The Black Eyed Peas - 2025)

Upbeat Energy: "I Gotta Feeling" possesses an irresistible, infectious energy perfect for elevating the mood of an awards ceremony, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.

Anthemic Quality: Its singalong chorus and powerful vocals encourage audience participation, transforming the event into a shared experience of joy and excitement.

Broad Appeal: The song's universally positive message and catchy rhythm make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a wide range of attendees and adding a feel-good factor to the proceedings.

I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas

9. Hall of Fame (#3)

Uplifting and celebratory mood: "Hall of Fame" possesses a powerful, anthemic quality perfect for celebrating achievements and acknowledging success, making it ideal for award show moments.

Strong vocals and memorable chorus: The blend of The Script's emotive vocals and will.i.am's energetic delivery creates a chorus that's both inspiring and easily singalong-able, enhancing audience participation.

Broad appeal and positive message: Its message of perseverance and reaching one's potential resonates with a wide audience, making it a unifying and uplifting choice for an awards ceremony.

Hall of Fame - The Script,will.i.am

10. Stronger

Vocal Powerhouse: Kelly Clarkson's incredible vocal range and emotional delivery make "Stronger" a show-stopping performance, perfect for an awards show atmosphere.

Anthemic Quality: The song's powerful message of resilience and overcoming adversity resonates deeply, creating a unifying and inspiring moment for the audience.

Memorable Moment Potential: "Stronger" offers a visually striking opportunity for a memorable awards show performance; imagine a powerful staging with dramatic lighting and choreography.

Stronger - Kelly Clarkson
  • Clocks
    11

    Clocks

    Coldplay

    2002

    A Rush of Blood to the Head

  • On Top Of The World
    12

    On Top Of The World

    Imagine Dragons

    2012

    Night Visions (Deluxe)

  • Celebration
    13

    Celebration

    Kool , The Gang

    1980

  • Don't Stop Believin'
    14

    Don't Stop Believin'

    Journey

    1981

    Escape (2022 Remaster)

  • We Are The Champions
    15

    We Are The Champions

    Queen

    1977

    News Of The World (2011 Remaster)

  • Beautiful Day
    16

    Beautiful Day

    U2

    2000

    All That You Can't Leave Behind

  • Are You Gonna Be My Girl
    17

    Are You Gonna Be My Girl

    Jet

    2003

    Get Born

  • Charlie Brown
    18

    Charlie Brown

    Coldplay

    2012

    Mylo Xyloto

  • Sky Full of Stars
    19

    Sky Full of Stars

    Coldplay

    2014

  • Right Here, Right Now
    20

    Right Here, Right Now

    Fatboy Slim

    1998

  • Get the Party Started
    21

    Get the Party Started

    P!nk

    2001

  • One Moment in Time
    22

    One Moment in Time

    Whitney Houston

    1988

    Whitney

  • Ready to Go
    23

    Ready to Go

    Republica

    1996

  • Simply the Best
    24

    Simply the Best

    Tina Turner

    1989

  • Bohemian Like You
    25

    Bohemian Like You

    The Dandy Warhols

    2000

  • Ain’t No Stopping Us Now
    26

    Ain’t No Stopping Us Now

    McFadden , Whitehead

    1979

  • The Riverboat Song
    27

    The Riverboat Song

    Ocean Colour Scene

    1996

  • Stand Up
    28

    Stand Up

    The Prodigy

    2008