Lifestyle & Sports
11 May 22

The Hotties: The Results Are In For The Hot Press Readers' Poll 2022

Dermot Kennedy wins big across three categories in this year's Hot Press Readers' Poll. But there's a wealth of fascinating detail to be gleaned from a poll that saw over 30,000 votes rolling in! Dig in – and enjoy!

You voted, we counted (Jesus, what a job that was!) – and now we're thrilled to present the results of the Hot Press Readers' Poll 2022, aka The Hotties!

The good news is that it was a big one, with over 30,000 readers and fans voting, in what is our biggest poll to date. One thing, however, remains consistent since last year – and that is the incredible popularity pf Dermot Kennedy. So, please hold your breath – that's perfect – for the finer details of what are fascinating results which underline just how completely our most popular artists have captured hearts and minds...

Following his success in the Poll last year, Dermot Kennedy has once again emerged as one of the major winners in 2022, as he comes out on top in the 'Track Of The Year (Irish)', 'Individual Artist Of The Year', and 'Best Songwriter' categories. This remarkable poll performance comes hot on the heels of the Dublin singer-songwriter's triumphant return last week, with his new single, 'Something To Someone'.

He's followed closely by the fast-rising Dublin star Gemma Dunleavy, who has scored two major wins in the 'Most Promising Of The Year' and 'Best Dance/Electronic (Irish)' categories.

Tommy Tiernan also polled hugely impressively – winning both 'Comedian Of The Year (Irish)' and 'Best TV Show (Irish and International)'.

Every year, we invite our readers to have their say on their favourite Irish album, debut album, track, musician, group, most promising act, electronic act, hip-hop act, folk act, comedian and DJ, and more.

This year's Readers' Poll saw one significant change. The Male and Female Artist of the Year categories are no more. Instead, we have an Individual Artist of the Year category, which is all-inclusive.

We also introduced a new category to the Readers' Poll, Groundbreaking Female Artist of the Year – won by the iconic Imelda May – which recognises the importance of the campaign for gender equality in Irish society, and in the world of music generally. The new category was launched in association with 'Sounding the Feminists', the campaign for gender equality which is led by Irish musicians, composers and practitioners.

The battle for Debut Album of the Year was intensely fought, with Inhaler's It Won't Always Be Like This just pipping the wonderful Orla Gartland's Woman On The Internet and the marvellous, eponymous For Those I Love.

One other notable result was the No.1 position achieved by Fergal D'Arcy, for the third year running in the – as ever hard-fought – DJ category. Fergal may not currently be on air, but there is clearly a huge amount of support and affection out there for the ex-Today FM man.

And there is also a special result in the Musician of the Year category, with fans showing a fantastic level of appreciation of the contribution of drummer Micheál Quinn to the Dermot Kennedy project – among his numerous other drumming adventures.

"Micheál's achievement reminds me of the time that Larry Mullen of U2 won the Musician of the Year award at the Hot Press Awards," Hot Press editor Niall Stokes observes. "Larry thanked Hot Press profusely, saying that it was the only magazine ever to describe drummers as musicians. It was a great line that got a good laugh at the time – but seeing the level of appreciation being shown to Micheál does remind me how important it is to recognise that drummers are, very often, absolutely central to the task of making great music."

No doubt Boris Johnson will be thrilled to be selected as Hot Press readers' Villain of the Year. The Tory leader really deserves every form of odium coming his way...

So, did all your favourites come out on top? Or even some?

Take a look at all the results, as voted for by you, the readers of Hot Press – and fans of the brilliant music that is being made in 2022 by Irish artists across all genres – below. A big thanks to everyone who participated in this year's Readers' Poll, and all who continue to support Irish music. Now – roll that drum, please – WE HAVE THE WINNERS!...