An awards gala is a celebration of people’s achievements, so the entertainment must cap off the event with non-stop dance floor fillers. That’s where our outstanding singers and live bands for hire come in. Whether you’re planning a black-tie gala or a corporate celebration, discover the best musicians for awards evenings in our latest post.
Contents:
- Who are the best bands and singers for awards evenings?
- Why is live entertainment crucial for a successful awards evening?
- When hiring a band or singer for their awards evening, what should clients consider?
- How much does a live band or singer cost for an awards evening?
- What is the easiest way to hire awards event entertainment?
Who are the best bands and singers for awards evenings?
We asked our booking agent, Joe Burton, to create this official list of live performers for awards evenings, and voilà! The Champions team have booked hundreds of musicians for industry awards in 66+ different countries. Whether you want to book a singer for your event or find a live band for a black-tie night, these acts can tailor their performance to match your style and audience.
"Who doesn't love an awards evening? Champagne, great entertainment, and a chance to recognise peoples' achievements. With vibes high after the awards section, you need a performer who will keep the energy going all night long and celebrate in style. I have plenty of options, so don't hesitate to get in touch." - Joe Burton, Entertainment Executive
You can reach Joe and the rest of the team via our online contact form, or call 0203 79 340 42. We're on hand to book your dream live band or provide a range of suggestions within your budget.
10. Sister Sledge - Rated 5/5 Stars ⭐
Grammy Award-Winning Stars Behind 'We Are Family'
Sister Sledge, the renowned vocal maestros of the disco era, are one of the best entertainment acts for awards nights. Their genre-blending soundtrack - pop, disco, funk, soul, and R&B - ensures a dynamic performance that resonates across diverse audiences. Sister Sledge bring an immersive, high-energy experience that’s ideal for keeping the dance floor filled at a corporate celebration.
9. Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra - Rated 4.5/5 Stars ⭐
Iconic Bandleader with a 19-Piece Powerhouse Orchestra
If you're searching for a singer and band for a formal event, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra deliver musical excellence with style. With an extensive touring history and international acclaim, this 19-piece ensemble is a popular choice for awards gala entertainment.
To enquire about Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, contact a booking agent today.
8. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Rated 5/5 Stars ⭐
Platinum-Selling Star Behind 'Murder on the Dancefloor'
Looking to hire a singer for a corporate event with name recognition and star quality? Sophie Ellis-Bextor fits the bill. Known for her dance-pop hits and captivating presence, Sophie brings both nostalgia and glamour to the stage. Not just a musical sensation, her captivating stage presence, honed on platforms like Strictly Come Dancing, makes her a popular choice for awards entertainment.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR
"Sophie is a consummate entertainer and it's no surprise that she's been a star for 25 years." - Anthony, Head, Stowe School
7. Fleur East - Rated 4/5 Stars ⭐
X Factor Finalist with Chart-Topping Hit 'Sax'
Book Fleur East for a vibrant, modern act that brings together R&B, pop, hip-hop, and soul. Ideal for companies wanting live music for an awards night, Fleur will set your event apart with energy and flair. From her X Factor debut to touring with DJ Fresh, Fleur’s journey has been a powerhouse of hits, crowned by her stunning performance of Uptown Funk.
6. Heather Small - Rated 4.5/5 Stars ⭐
Voice of 'Proud' with Over 10 Million Albums Sold
Heather Small offers soulful, unforgettable vocals that are perfect for awards evenings. As a professional event entertainer, her mix of dance, soul, and R&B makes her a hit across a wide range of audiences. With a voice that sold over 10 million albums, this soulful singer will instantly be recognised by your guests.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR HEATHER SMALL
"Heather's performance was absolutely amazing! Exactly what we were hoping for and more! It really got the party started and everyone loved it. There was lots of social media around the event tagging Heather and we've received so many messages since about how much everyone enjoyed the surprise act. We're all still singing 'Moving On Up'!" - Nathan, Studio Boum
5. The Overtones - Rated 4/5 Stars ⭐
Multi-Platinum Vocal Group with 5 UK Top 10 Albums
The Overtones are one of the most in-demand party bands for hire for awards evenings. Their rich harmonies and polished performance style make them a go-to choice for black-tie events and gala dinners. They've graced prestigious stages worldwide, from Buckingham Palace to Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Their feel-good style, honed by a decade of hits, ensures a memorable awards night.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR THE OVERTONES
"Neal and the boys were a pleasure to work with and your service and open and honest approach were refreshing to deal with. Agents aren't always the easiest people to work collaboratively with, but as a first time experience of working with Champions Music & Entertainment it was an absolute pleasure. Will definitely be happy to work with you all again." - Keith
4. The Talent - Rated 4.5/5 Stars ⭐
13-Piece Showband with a 500+ Song Repertoire
Looking for a showband for a corporate event? The Talent have an impressive 500-song repertoire and a versatile setup that guarantees a packed dance floor. This is one of the best options if you want live music for a large-scale awards night. Their harmonies, soulful vocals, and expansive options make them the ultimate choice for a night that leaves the dance-floor bursting.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR THE TALENT
"The talent were incredible, they really keep the energy up in the party and had everyone on their feet dancing all night. Both Champions and the band were a pleasure to work with. You have been extremely helpful throughout the booking and we would certainly love to work with you again. I would definitely recommend both Champions and the Talent to anyone." - Arbonne International
3. The Rick Parfitt Jr. (RPJ Band) - Rated 5/5 Stars ⭐
Rock Party Icons Who’ve Played for A-Listers Worldwide
The RPJ Band redefine rock entertainment for events, offering a high-octane performance that keeps guests dancing from start to finish. Perfect for organisers searching to book a band for an awards celebration that stands out. If you want to keep the dance floor filled from the moment the last awards are announced, this band is the clear choice.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR THE TALENT
"RPJ are the best band you can have as your entertainment- they totally transformed our night! The energy and fun they bring is incomparable. Both the band and Champions were a joy to work with- very professional and clear, easy communication." - Samantha, Kids Village
2. Coyote - Rated 4.5/5 Stars ⭐
UK’s Coolest Party Band with Clients Like Tesco & The Belfry
For a modern party band with a fresh sound, Coyote are an excellent choice. They've entertained clients like Tesco and The Belfry, proving their reputation as one of the top live bands for corporate awards nights. Whether pop hits or classic anthems, Coyote guarantees an awards event packed with infectious energy.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR COYOTE
"Thank you for a wonderful performance at The Ambassadors’ Ball. We had so many comments from guests about how brilliant the band were, and we raised a record amount of money for the charity. We would definitely ask you to perform at future events and wish you every success, you and the band are extremely talented." - Hyatt Regency
1. The Shane Nolan Band - Rated 5/5 Stars ⭐
Live Party Legends with a Star Frontman
If you want to hire a cover band for your event, The Shane Nolan Band brings charisma and energy in spades. With a mix of classics and current hits, they’re ideal for keeping your audience engaged right through to the last song. The Shane Nolan Band ensures an upbeat, unforgettable party atmosphere for your awards evening.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR THE SHANE NOLAN BAND
"The Shane Nolan Band are fronted by talented young singer Shane Richie Jnr. Young Shane and his bandmates cranked up the party set. This is a high energy band with a charismatic frontman who should be firmly in demand on the holiday park scene." - Mark, UK Cabaret Magazine
Why is live entertainment crucial for a successful awards evening?
Live entertainment for an awards night transforms a formal event into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hiring a singer for a gala dinner or a band for a corporate event, the right performance lifts the atmosphere, encourages guests to stay longer, and leaves a lasting impression.
According to Network Know-How, social events like awards evenings can also be a great way to network and meet other professionals in your field. What better way to make an impression than by cutting shapes on the dance floor?
When hiring a band or singer for their awards evening, what should clients consider?
When you search for entertainers for hire, start by thinking about the tone of your event. Do you want background music during dinner or a full-on party after the awards?
Look for event entertainment companies that offer versatile performers who can adapt to different moods and audiences. And always confirm the logistics early - sound setup, performance times, and space requirements all matter.
How much does a live band or singer cost for an awards evening?
Champions Music & Entertainment leads the way in awards evening entertainment. We’re known for delivering standout singers and bands that bring real star quality, without the sky-high fees.
Whether you're organising a black-tie dinner or a large-scale corporate celebration, our acts range from £700+ for rising stars to £9,500+ for full-scale productions with wow factor. Get in touch with our experienced team for a tailored quote that suits your event and budget perfectly.
What is the easiest way to hire awards event entertainment?
Ready to hire a singer or live band for your awards evening? Look no further than Champions Music & Entertainment. Whether you're searching for professional entertainers for hire, bands for a gala, or live singers for corporate events, we’ll help you find the right act.
Take the first step towards an unforgettable experience by calling 0203 79 340 42, or filling in our online form. today. Let’s turn your awards ceremony into a show-stopping celebration!
This exclusive blog post was written by our Entertainment Executive Joe Burton, who assessed client feedback from 500+ events between 2021 and 2024.