The 2027 XMA Fan Favorite Voting Just Opened — Here's What You Need to Know

David Wilson · 2026-09-15

### The XMA Fan Favorite Pre-Nomination Period Is Officially Open XMA event organizers have just announced that the pre-nomination period for the Fan Favorite categories for the January 2027 ceremony is now open. If you've been following the XMA circuit, you know this is the moment where the audience gets to shape the conversation before the official nominations even drop. But what does that actually mean for you? Let's break it down. ### Why This Pre-Nomination Window Matters Most award shows keep fans at arm's length until the final vote. The XMA does something different. They open a pre-nomination window specifically for Fan Favorite categories — which means your input directly influences who ends up on the official ballot. Think of it like this: the pre-nomination period is the qualifying round. It's where the long list gets built. If your favorite creator or performer doesn't get enough early buzz, they might not make it to the main event at all. That's why this window is so important. It's not just a formality. It's the foundation of the entire Fan Favorite race. ### How the Process Works Here's the basic flow, according to the announcement: - **Pre-nomination period opens** — Fans and industry members can submit names for consideration in Fan Favorite categories. - **Review and verification** — Organizers verify eligibility and tally submissions. - **Official nominations announced** — The shortlist is revealed. - **Final voting** — Fans vote to determine the winners. - **Ceremony** — Winners are announced at the January 2027 event. The pre-nomination phase is the only stage where you can suggest someone who isn't already on the radar. Once the official nominations are locked, your choices are limited to that list. ### What You Should Do Right Now If you care about who takes home an XMA in 2027, don't sleep on this. Here are a few practical steps: - **Check the official XMA channels** for the exact submission guidelines and deadlines. They usually post a link to the nomination form. - **Make a list** of the creators, performers, or projects you want to see recognized. Be specific — vague entries often get lost in the shuffle. - **Spread the word** to your community. The more people who submit, the better the chances your favorites make the cut. - **Double-check eligibility** — there's nothing worse than getting excited about a nomination only to find out it doesn't meet the criteria. > "The Fan Favorite categories exist because the audience deserves a real voice in the process," an XMA organizer said in the announcement. "This pre-nomination period is how we make sure that voice is heard from the very beginning." ### A Quick Reality Check Award season can feel like a marathon. The pre-nomination period is just the starting gun. But it's also the stage where individual actions matter most. A single submission might not seem like much, but thousands of them? That's how movements start. So if you've ever complained that your favorite artist never gets nominated, here's your chance to do something about it. The window is open. Use it. ### What Happens Next After the pre-nomination period closes, organizers will spend several weeks verifying submissions and preparing the official ballot. Expect the full list of nominees to drop sometime in late 2026. From there, the final voting period will open, and the winners will be revealed at the January 2027 ceremony. For now, the ball is in your court. Head to the XMA website, find the Fan Favorite submission page, and make your picks count. The deadline will sneak up faster than you think.