The Southern Homies: Awards from the 2026 Southern Show Choir Season

By Tony Holeman, Southern contributor

With the 2026 Southern show choir season having come to a close, its time for the end of the year awards! With that in mind, it is also time for the Southern Homies, a more regional production than the national Homie Awards. While this is the first installation on HomeRoom, regional southern awards have been given out before (last time was after the 2023 season). However, there is no time like the present to bring them back. With that being said, let’s begin the awards!

Most Improved Group Nominees

Vestavia Hills “Singers”

Biloxi “Sound Sirens”

West Jones “Imagination”

Spain Park “Rhapsody In Blue”

Tarpon Springs “Syndicated Sound” The Most Improved Group award belongs to a group that has not only found success this season, but has found it after making extreme strides from last year. Whether it's higher placements, a better overall show, or even a complete turnaround, this group has caught people off guard with how much improvement they have achieved in the last year. And the winner is….

Biloxi “Sound Sirens”

PHOTO: Biloxi “Sound Sirens” compete on stage | @nickquamme

On paper, Biloxi's results from this year may not differ much from the last. In this season, they have accumulated three divisional wins and two divisional first runners-up (behind the likes of Tupelo and Northwest Rankin's mens group). Last year, they earned three divisional wins and a divisional first runner-up (behind Petal Innovations). The difference? Who they beat. Last year's wins were only against the likes of Purvis and Briarwood Karis. This year they've topped the following: Brandon Bellas, Northwest Rankin The Allure, South Jones, West Marion, and many others. They've also made finals twice this year compared to no appearances last year. With such progress, Biloxi's Sound Sirens is more than deserving of this award.

New Group of the Year Nominees

Lowndes “Viking Cantors”

Hattiesburg “Expressions”

Houston Academy “Rhapsody”

Hamilton “The Legacy”

Fairly self-explanatory, the New Group of the Year goes out to the group that has made the best impression among the southern show choir circuit amidst their first season. This applies to both revived and brand-new programs. And the winner is….

Hamilton “The Legacy”

PHOTO: Hamilton places 1RU at the Madison Central Deep South Classic | The Legacy Show Choir

Sometimes, these awards take thought and internal discussion as to which of the deserving groups just barely rise above the others. Sometimes, it's not even close. This is one of those cases. While this is in no way a form of disrespect to the other nominees, what George Walker did in Hamilton's first-ever season is beyond remarkable: debuting as a large group, making finals twice (with 1RU and 2RU placements), and even earning one of the three major overall captions. It was a complete no-doubter situation - Hamilton even won Rookie Choir of the Year in the national Homie Awards.

People's Choice Nominees

Briarwood “Radica”

Tupelo “Synergy”

Oxford “Sound”

Spain Park “Rhapsody In Blue”

Auburn “Men At Work”

The People's Choice Award goes out to the group that has absolutely captured the hearts and minds of not only the southern show choir circuit, but also fans around the nation. It seems that everyone has a special place in their heart for this group and hopes they succeed everywhere they go (and that's all on top of already believing they have an amazing show for the season). And the winner is….

Tupelo “Synergy”

PHOTO: Tupelo earns their third Grand Championship of the season | Tupelo High School

For years, the South excitedly waited for the moment that Tupelo made their next step and earned a Grand Championship title for their first time ever as a standalone single-gender group (marking the only ever Southern standalone single-gender group to do so). This season, that goal was finally accomplished. Not only did they finally win their coveted title, they won three total Grand Championships on the season (with two of them being sweeps) against the likes of mixed groups from Grenada, Northwest Rankin, Hastings, Jenks, Madison Central, Sauk Prairie, and many others. Needless to say, this year was a great one for the darlings of the Southern circuit.

Wildcard Award Nominees

Brandon “Brio”

Grenada “Visions”

Northeast Jones “Gold Horizons”

Auburn “Varsity Singers”

The Wildcard Award goes to the group that has had the most ups and downs in the season, making them extremely unpredictable. They could place as high or low as they wanted to, and that makes this group extremely dangerous wherever they may go. And the winner is….

Grenada “Visions”

PHOTO: Grenada performs in Finals at Show Choir Nationals | Show Choir Nationals

Coming fresh off of back-to-back stellar seasons with their "Ugly Duckling" and "The Truman Show" productions, most people were holding Grenada to the same high standard as the last few years. However, sometimes fate has other plans. Between comp day accidents at Jackson Academy and an ATV accident in early March, this group has encountered a bunch of obstacles. Their season reflects this tumultuous nature: initial upsets at Jackson Academy and Tupelo to begin the season (from Tupelo and Briarwood, respectively), an impressive 2RU at a very competitive Auburn competition, then another shocking placement at Biloxi behind both Tupelo and Northwest Rankin, but then a hard-earned finals spot at Show Choir Nationals. Ups and downs have been the theme for Grenada this year, making them the most unpredictable group of the season.

Bradley Davis Titan Slayer Award Nominees

West Marion “New Era”

West Jones “Imagination”

Oxford “Sound”

Northwest Rankin “The Ambassadors”

The Titan Slayer Award, named after Southern Show Choir extraordinaire Bradley Davis who coined the phrase, goes to the group that consistently and impressively punched above their weight class. Whether it's a smaller group betting higher-tiered programs or lower-tier groups consistently popping into finals, this group essentially gets their money's worth more times than not. And the winner is….

West Jones “Imagination”

PHOTO: West Jones performs at the MSCC | Old Soul Photography

With a relatively normal start to the year for West Jones, everything seemed to be as it was the season before. They had earned a Grand Champion title early, but also had fallen to Brandon and even Northeast Jones at a separate competition. However, the month of February had different plans for West Jones. Their next competition resulted in one of the largest Southern show choir upsets ever, where they not only beat Homewood to win a Grand Championship title at Oak Mountain, but also took the Best Vocals caption over them as well (Homewood is historically regarded as one of the two top Southern vocal groups). Next up? Three weeks later, West Jones took down Brandon at Oak Grove for another Grand Championship title, while also taking the Best Choreography caption (Brandon is generally regarded as one of the top Southern dancing groups in the south as of late). West Jones did all of this as a 3A group, meaning they were taking down these top groups while in a lower division. If that's not a titan slayer, nothing is.

Competition of the Year Nominees

Auburn Show Choir Showdown

Oak Mountain King of the Mountain Invitational

Jackson Prep Show Choir Masters

Homewood South Central Classic

Pretty straightforward, the Competition of the Year award goes to the event that had it all. The perfect mix of hype, excitement, preparation, and eventual product made this event the one to experience among the entire region's schedule. And the winner is….

Auburn Show Choir Showdown

PHOTO: The logo for the Auburn Show Choir Showdown | Auburn Choral Company

Top-notch competition. Live commentary provided. Multiple regions covering. Two separate buildings with constant performances. With all of this and 22 competing groups, there's not much more you could've asked for. Factor in the fact that there were about nine groups present that many could argue were all very finals-worthy, and this event was the absolutely most anticipated and well-coordinated talking point of the season. The best part? With all of this going on, this event only went one hour behind schedule. Such great event hosting and execution earns the folks at Auburn this award.

Underrated Group of the Year Nominees

Rome “Grand Finale”

Madison Central “Reveille”

Oak Grove “Center Stage”

Donelson Christian Academy “Legacy”

Pearl River Central “Central Attraction”

Without fail, there are groups that fly under the radar every single year. The reasons always vary, but these groups never do truly get appreciated or talked about as much as they should. The Underrated Group of the Year goes out to the group that particularly stands out among the rest. And the winner is….

Donelson Christian Academy “Legacy”

PHOTO: Donelson Christian Academy earns a Grand Championship at Rome | @dcawildcats

While their season's results may not speak to this group's quality, it's one of those shows that one has to watch to truly appreciate. With greatly improved choreography (and resulting energy), this group made tremendous strides and was a solid watch every time. However, due to their history, while also being geographically situated outside of the heart of the circuit, caused many people to overlook or not get a chance to watch their show. That's where the underrated factor comes in. Do yourself a favor and go watch their show.

Late Bloomer Award Nominees

Jackson Academy “Encore”

Northwest Rankin “The Ambassadors”

Homewood “The Network”

Homewood “Continuum” The Late Bloomer Award goes out to the group that really turned it on at the end of the season, truly embodying the phrase "better late than never". Despite what might be a slow start, this group really put it together as they approached their season's finish line. And the winner is….

Northwest Rankin “The Ambassadors”

PHOTO: Northwest Rankin sweeps at Brandon ELITE | @_the.real.angelina

Picture this: your group is three competitions into the year, and you have yet to earn a Grand Championship title. As a matter of fact, the highest you've placed is 2RU and you've only beaten one group that's ranked inside of the top 15 for your division. Next up? Your director announces he will be leading another program next season. For most groups, that would be enough to make you hang your head and call the season quits already. Not for Northwest Rankin. Despite all of the adversity from the first half of their season, they turned it around with their next half. First: a 1RU placement ahead of Grenada and Sauk Prairie. Next: their first Grand Championship title of the season. Lastly: a Grand Championship sweep at the last event of the season. There is no better example of a mid-season turnaround than what Northwest Rankin was able to pull off this year.

New Director of the Year Nominees

George Walker – Hamilton

Natalie Kinsey/Alexis McDonald – Wayne County

Russell McKinnell – Eufala

Gary McCullen – Hattiesburg

Jennifer McQuade – Lowndes

Whether it's a new face at an established program or a new face at a new program, fresh blood invigorates the circuit every year. The best among them earns the New Director of the Year award. This director might have made the most progress with their group's foundation or might have them already hitting the competition stage full speed. And the winner is….

George Walker

PHOTO: Walker addresses his group mid-practice | The Legacy Show Choir

If you're shocked by this, you must not have read the above paragraph for the New Group of the Year Award. If that's the case, let it be repeated: what George Walker did in Hamilton's first-ever season is beyond remarkable: debuting as a large group, making finals twice (with 1RU and 2RU placements), and even earning one of the three major overall captions. With all respect to the several nominated directors, this wasn't particularly close.

Favorite Show Design Nominees

Oxford “Sound”

Northwest Rankin “The Ambitions”

Briarwood “Radica”

Auburn “Men At Work”

Sometimes there's a show that really holds on to you and doesn't seem to let go. Something about the song choice or the way the story weaves in and out is just right. That's the show that the Favorite Show Design Award aims to honor. And the winner is….

Briarwood “Radica”

PHOTO: Briarwood places 1RU at Jasper | @briarwood.finearts.academy

While just barely missing out on the People's Choice Award, what almost had Briarwood earning that title has them knocking this one out of the park. Based off of the 1997 childrens book "You Are Special" by Max Lucado, Briarwood had a show that left people smiling, hopeful, and even streaming tears long after the performance was over. It left a trail of emotional all-caps group chat messages and choked up livestream commentators and served as a potent reminder of what show choir can be at its purest and most wholesome. Needless to say, this show and the way it was designed to resonate with audiences earns it the Favorite Show Design Award.

Best Song Selection Nominees

Clinton “Attache” – “House of Memories” by Panic! at the Disco

Madison Central “Reveille” – “Can-Can” by Cole Porter

Biloxi “Sound Sailors” – “The Distance” by CAKE

Sumrall “Legacy” – “Desperado” by The Eagles

Oxford “Sound” – “Pokemon Theme (Gotta Catch ‘Em All!)” by Pokemon

Choosing the right repertoire can be a finicky process. One wrong song and the entire show's flow can be disrupted. Not only can groups nail this aspect, but sometimes they pick a song that is either absolutely perfect for their show or is so unique and one-of-a-kind that it makes one wonder how they were able to fit it in. The Best Song Selection Award goes out to the group that achieved selecting a song that fit either of those two the best. And the winner is….

Biloxi “Sound Sailors” – “The Distance” by CAKE

PHOTO: Biloxi’s bass group performs at Madison Central | Brynn Nichole Knapp

In the interest of transparency, this award was a personal one for the author. Show choirs shine when performing unique or underutilized songs, but to take on a piece with peculiar and unique song is the icing on top. With that in mind, when videos showed Biloxi's bass group had done a song by CAKE (albeit their most popular one), this award was secured. CAKE has such an irregular rhythm to their songs, and the fact Biloxi was both willing and able to make it a part of their show more than earns them this title.

Choreographer of the Year Nominees

Connor Pilgrim – West Jones, Homewood, Jasper, and Sumrall

Nick Quamme – Tupelo, Biloxi, and Oak Grove

Dallas James Pritt – Oxford and West Marion

Ben Schrank – South Jones, Northeast Jones, and Rosa Scott

Dexter Bishop – Clinton, West Marion, and Pass Christian

If there's one thing the South knows how to do, it's dance. The Choreographer of the Year award goes out to the choreographer that not only choreographed Southern groups, but saw their groups succeed very well with the material given to them. And the winner is….

Connor Pilgrim

PHOTO: Pilgrim poses amidst West Jones after another Grand Championship | @westjonesimagination

Connor Pilgrim really made a name for himself this year. With it being his second listed year for choreographing high schools in the South, Pilgrim seems to have already found his stride. Besides choreographing for four groups in West Jones, Jasper, Sumrall, and Homewood's 2A group, he also seems to have been a missing piece for a certain program. For the last few years, many people believed West Jones was just needing to find the choreographer that was right for them before really taking their next step, and with Pilgrim's work, they were able to do just that. With that in mind, Pilgrim wins the Choreographer of the Year award.

Traveler Award Nominees

Brandon “Brio”

Prattville “Spotlight”

Petal "Soundsations"

Tarpon Springs “Syndicated Sound”

Clinton “Attache”

The Traveler Award goes out to the group that decided to get out of their comfort zone and put the most miles on their back. Simply put, this award goes out to which group traveled the furthest total. And the winner is….

Prattville “Spotlight”

PHOTO: Prattville holds an exhibition performance | Tony Lee

This one is a simple numbers game, so it's time for a little math (with the total miles from their school to each far-out competition and back listed): Clinton - 1,448 miles Petal - 1,759 miles Brandon - 2,952 miles Tarpon Springs -3,043 miles Prattville - 4,159 miles With over a thousand mile lead, Prattville wins this one easily. Spotlight traveled out to southern California to compete in the Burbank Blast, placing sixth in intermediate mixed. Best Ballad Nominees

Biloxi “Sound Surge”

Oak Mountain “Singers”

Jackson Academy “Encore”

Brandon “Brio”

Northeast Jones “Gold Horizons”

A ballad is always supposed to hold the audience's attention and force one to appreciate the sound of focused, intentional singing. The Best Ballad Award goes out to the group whose ballad did that and more. And the winner is….

Northeast Jones “Gold Horizons”

PHOTO: Northeast Jones performs their ballad at the MSCC | Old Soul Photography

  This selection is another example of one that just needs to be watched and understood. Having won a Best Ballad award this season over the likes of both Brandon and West Jones, Northeast Jones beat out the rest of the category with their rendition of "Fly", an original arrangement by Michael Reese.

Most Fun Award Nominees

Northwest Rankin “The Ambitions”

Auburn “Men At Work”

Biloxi “Sound Sailors”

Northeast Jones “Gold Horizons”

Clinton Christian Academy “Extreme”

Sometimes, the box score doesn't tell the whole story. While this group still might have placed well, what they brought to the table more than anything was vibes. The Most Fun Award goes to the group that captivates the audience's joy and fun spirit more than anyone else. And the winner is….

Auburn “Men At Work”

PHOTO: Auburn’s bass group performs an exhibition show | Auburn Choral Company

It didn't matter who asked. Throughout the season, if you had asked the question "Who did you enjoy watching the most?", 99% of the answers would be Auburn's "Men at Work" (of those who had seen the show). While bass groups around the nation are famous for being more fun in general with good vibes, Auburn's bass group turned it up a notch this season with their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles themed show. They were throwing pizza boxes in the crowd, for goodness's sake! The extavagance made Men at Work an easy shoe-in for this award.

Director of the Year Nominees

Shane Cockrell – West Jones

Cody Goss – Rome

Kasey Mixon – Briarwood

Gabriela Santos – Tarpon Springs

George Walker – Hamilton

There is nothing better than watching a program grow, succeed, and take steps further. The Director of the Year Award goes out to the director who has gone above and beyond in making sure their group grows both in structure and talent, ensuring they become the best they can be. And the winner is….

Gabriela Santos – Tarpon Springs

PHOTO: Santos and her students pose outside the auditorium at Petal | TSHS Choral Boosters

In comparison to the previous award, the Best Director pick was anything but easy. After starting with a dozen or so potential nominees and whittling it down to just five, there still had to be one selection that stood out from the rest, and it was not easy. For starters, West Jones and Rome both took tremendous strides with groups they beat this season (Homewood/Brandon and Oxford, respectively). Briarwood had their personal best of the best show design of the year, signifying a direct result of a great director. George Walker was a unanimous new director of the year choice for his amazing work at Hamilton. However, the work that Santos has done at Tarpon Springs during the 2026 season simply cannot be understated. Between having her group successfully travel over 3,000 miles and even opting up at two competitions, she brought in their best season in at least a decade: two divisional wins (both in the middle division) and divisional second (only behind West Marion). Between the complex logistics, their substantial improvement, and overall stellar results, it would be difficult to pick anyone besides Santos for this award. Well done to all, and especially to Ms. Santos.

Best Soloist Nominees

Shelby Parks - Homewood Braley Carnathan - Grenada

Case Farnham – Brandon Haylie Smith – West Marion

Jelissa Matos – Tarpon Springs

Every group has a member or two who just has it: that voice. Everyone knows what it is. The voice that just runs perfect, sounds so clean and sits perfect in the ear. The Best Soloist Award goes out to the soloist in show that really went above and beyond with their vocal prowess on stage. And the winner is….

Haylie Smith – West Marion

PHOTO: Haylie Smith performs a solo during a West Marion performance | WM “New Era” Show Choir Every now and then, there is an individual that sings their solo on stage and the audience just knows that they're going to win Best Soloist in Show if a competition provides it. However, that's rare from a true 1A/small division group. Despite that, Haylie Smith shines as an anomaly to this idea, having won Best Soloist in Show twice this season. And honestly? Nothing said here in writing can do her rendition of "I Wish I Knew How It Felt To Be Free" by Nina Simone true justice, just go watch it and listen. You'll thank the author (and Haylie too, of course) afterwards.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to correctly list the arranger of Northeast Jones' ballad, and the correct spelling of Gabriela Santos. We regret the previous inaccuracy.