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Vocal Booth Radio Awards 2025. A Community Reflection

The 2025 Vocal Booth Radio Awards were never intended to be a popularity contest or a league table of talent. They were created as a moment to pause, reflect, and acknowledge what has been built together over the past year.

Voting was generous, thoughtful, and considered. Many participants chose not to vote in certain categories rather than guess, which speaks volumes about the integrity of this community.

To help remove bias and interpretation, the voting data was independently analysed through several different AI engines. The aim was not to elevate individuals, but to understand patterns, values, and contributions across the station.


What emerged most clearly was balance.


No single DJ dominated every category. Instead, different people showed up in different ways, through consistency, musical depth, energy, atmosphere, warmth, and support.

Community-focused categories carried real weight. Chatroom presence, listener support, inspiration, and consistency were central, not secondary. This reinforced what many already feel,

 

Vocal Booth Radio is not just about music, it is about connection.

Nominations:

A Deeper Groove
Ade Wilcox
Adrian Benedek
AGB Soul Stew
Andy Johnson
Andy Tomlinson
Andy Ward
Angela Colosi
Bardo
Beechy
Blackwax
Bobby & Pingo
Body People
Bretski
Brother C
Chris Alexander
Chris Flint
Chris Sims
Chris Walton
Claire Lawless
Clinton Oliver
Country Beat Collective
Dave Fergusson
Delmar Browne
DJ Ladybyrd
DJ Moses
DJ Pugwash
DJ Raw
DJ RHouse
DJ Tipz
DJ Tommy Musto
DML
Emily Vassell
Fitzroy (Soul Survivor)
Geof Dart
Get Comfy
Glittermumma
Graham Gee
Ian “Larry” Leggett
Jay Negron
Jason Thornton
Jimmy Whoo
John Rogers
Jon Coomer
Julian DJK
Love Boogie Crew
Mark Cooper
Mark Goddard
Maurizio
N’Dinga Gaba
Paul Farris
Richie Haynes
Scott Cornwell
Sean Quinn
Soulmekanikz
Steve Williams
The Brother C

Winners

Across 20 categories, there were some very close calls for winners which may make the results seem like a landslide but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

 

Best Microphone Energy (Joint Winners)
 
Claire Lawless, Girls on Top
The Brother C, Risin’ Sessions

 

Best Presenter Voice
Jon Coomer, AGB Soul Stew

 

Best Technical DJ In The Mix
The Brother C, Risin’ Sessions

 

Best Weekly Show
Jon Coomer, AGB Soul Stew

 

Best Monthly Show
Emily Vassell, Girls on Top

 

Best Monthly Show You Wished Was Weekly (Joint Winners)
 
A Deeper Groove, Heavy Loungin’
Blackwax, Revolve
Body People, Body People
Claire Lawless, Girls on Top
Fitzroy (Soul Survivor), Black 2 Da Future

 

Biggest Party Starter
Andy Tomlinson, Decades Of House

 

Chatroom Champion
Ashley Manchester

 

Community Champion
Scott Cornwell, Melting Pot

 

Individual Show of the Year
Andy Ward, Vocal Booth Radio Show

 

Most Consistent
Scott Cornwell, Melting Pot

 

Most Eclectic
The Brother C, Risin’ Sessions

 

Most Frequently Listened To
Scott Cornwell, Melting Pot

 

Most Improved Show Overall
Beechy, DeepNSoulful

 

Social Media Champion
Emily Vassell, Girls on Top

 

Most Improved Mic Confidence
Delmar Browne, The BK Basement

 

Most Inspirational Selector
The Brother C, Risin’ Sessions

 

Outstanding Listener Support
Lolly

 

Shazam’s Nemesis
Scott Cornwell, Melting Pot

 

Most Personifies the Vocal Booth Vibe
Emily Vassell, Girls on Top

Community Support Nominations:

Ade Wilcox
Ann Morgan
Artsmooth
Ashley Manchester
Berny T
Blackwax Steve
DML
Drew Schultz
Elina
Emz
Fiona Liisa
Gary Comforte
Iain
Janey Bean
Jayson Star
Jim Hickinbottom
Jim P
Jo
Justin Murphy
Kemit
Kenny L
Lisa Power
Lolly
Luke Andrews
Mark
Melly from LA
Mona Girl NYC
Movin Mimi
Phil Madison
Pugwash
Randal
Rob Crook
Rob P
Robbo
Sahara247
Scott Cornwell
Sky Soul
Steve Rich
Steve Williams
T
Tayo Wink
VB Studio
Wendy Rogers

With over 450 registered chatroom users, and many regulars not listed above, the category above may feel slightly misleading.

That said, it is only fair to acknowledge those who were submitted by name. Thank you, one and all.

Voter Comments

Comments are collated from multiple entries. Not all voters left comments.

Kirk Vassell

A big thank you to Andy Ward for the serious graft putting this whole radio station together.

Randy Locrotondo

Absolutely blessed to be part of the VBR family. I’ve felt more love overseas than in the States, and that’s okay, I’ve heard other DJs say the same. It’s incredible to live in a time where the internet, when used for good, brings people together who might never otherwise meet. Vinyl to digital, everything in between, it’s been a wild ride. What an amazing community VBR is.

Wendy Rogers

Absolutely love VB Radio. I was disappointed not to be able to vote for you Andy, but I’m always listening. Thank you to both you and Michelle for your inspiration and dedication.

Angela Colosi

All the DJs have been amazing this year and clearly do it for the passion. Every one of them deserves recognition, they are all winners.

Emily Vassell

There are so many worthy DJs I haven’t recognised in my selections, but know this, you all have amazing talents and quirks that make this station what it is. Continue to try new things, take risks, enjoy the moment and let the music do the talking. Thank you all for letting me be me and allowing me to bloom into who I’m meant to be. 2026 is going to be mega for us all. An amazing community that has saved me in more ways than one.

Steve Williams

Being new to the VB crew, every moment in the mix and meeting the wider family has been an absolute pleasure. I really hope it continues for a long time.

Jason Thornton

Claire Lawless is that good as a presenter she would be perfect for a weekly show. Her energy and presence draw you in and take you on a two hour journey like you’ve known her for years. Her music selection is straight out of the top drawer.

David Miller-Lawson

Continue evolving. Trust the process. I’ve loved every moment of listening to all the wonderful DJs. Thank you Andy.

Roy Robertson

A great team of musical people getting their vibes across to the world.

Neil Pinnock

Great to be part of this team. Fantastic throughout the year.

Mona Eskridge

I am addicted to Vocal Booth Radio and everything it represents. Love to Andy and Michelle for the blessing you are in my life and across the world. Spreading house, soulful music and the music of life through VBR’s beyond gifted DJs. So proud to be part of the VBR family.

Mark Osborne

Emily Vassell has played a very important role at VBR this year. Ever present in the chatroom, WhatsApp support networks and social media, she truly feels like the face of VBR. I also want to acknowledge Randy Locrotondo, who always logged in early during my show and stayed through to his own. We built a great friendship through shared music, banter and appreciation in the chatroom.

Tanja Neaves / Lay

I wish I could listen more to VBRadio, but whenever I do, no matter who’s on, the quality is always there. Everyone involved has done a sterling job. Wishing success, love and good vibes to all in the new year. Andy and Michelle, sending you both love.

John Rogers

Thank you Andy Ward for the opportunity to play on Vocal Booth Radio, and to all the DJs who inspire and give their time to VB Radio. Here’s to bringing it in 2026.

Tim Moore

An incredible first year. Keep the growth and the vibes going.

Darren Giles

An amazing first year for Vocal Booth Radio with so many great shows and eclectic music. Big love to everyone who supported me this year, with special mention to the man who made it all happen and works tirelessly behind the scenes, Mr Andy Ward.

John O’Connor

It’s hard to listen to every show and log into chat all the time, but the community spirit is always strong. I absolutely love sharing music on this wonderful station.

Val Cameron

Keep doing what you’re doing DML. Where do you find these tracks?

Lisa Power

Keep bringing exceptional quality to the station and spreading the word.

Mark Cooper

Love being part of the community built by brother Wardy. Onwards and upwards.

Claire Iles

Loved the energy of Takeover Day, twisted and beautiful vibes.

Barry Neaves

My first year and I feel I’ve grown and learned so much listening to the talent on the station.

Charles Peart

Without Vocal Booth Radio’s amazing family, I don’t know how I would have got through this year. Special shout-outs to Paks and Brew, loved and missed, and T-Roc too.

Sophia Spyratou

Strongly suggest N’Dinga Gaba gets a weekly spot rather than monthly. His style and sound are my vibe.

Pru Fiddy

Super hard to choose, but thank you Vocal Booth for being a lifeline through 2025. Big thanks to all the DJs. Andy on Sundays is my favourite, even if I can’t select it.

Frank Soto

Thank you Andy for putting together such a great station and community.

Mark Goddard

The camaraderie is unique. Keep supporting one another along the journey.

Ian Leggett

The energy and enthusiasm for the music we love is clear to see. Being able to express ourselves within such a supportive and receptive group feels like a dream. Thank you Andy for your continued drive and inspiration, and thanks to every DJ and listener who makes this project worthwhile. The energy here is infectious.

Owen Dawkins

The VB family energy and commitment is growing stronger and more professional. Keep up the great work.

Delmar Browne

To the DJs selected, stay consistent, bring energy and quality, and always shout out those who take time to listen in the chatroom.

Damian Squire

Much love to the Girls on Top crew for their energy. Bardo is one of the best DJs I’ve had the pleasure of following. Ann Walker has been a huge inspiration and constant support. Brother C, without your wisdom and encouragement years ago I wouldn’t be here today. And to the governor Mr Ward, thank you for making a home for lost souls like me.

Claire Lawless

Vocal Booth Radio changed my life. Love my VB family.

Chris Rodney

We are all in this together, one happy family supporting each other online and offline.

Julie Brown

Well done to all the winners, and thank you to every DJ for supporting others in their own unique way.

Richard Samain

What a year. When Brother C did that first show I felt emotional, because it felt like the start of something special. VB has strengthened as the year has gone on. I’d love better access to track names when catching up on podcasts or YouTube, but overall, what a year. Andy, thank you for everything you’ve put into making this station so great. Off now to listen to Brother C.

Rachel Cornwell

Andy, I can’t put into words how much being part of this amazing family has brought to our lives.

In Summary

All DJs nominated are acknowledged, regardless of whether they went on to win or not. Being named even once means someone noticed and valued what you bring, and went out of their way to say so.

Listeners and chatroom supporters are also recognised, highlighting the vital role the wider community plays in shaping the station’s atmosphere and identity.

The awards themselves were presented plainly, without embellishment or judgement, and shared live on air with real-time contributions from those who voted. This helped turn the ceremony into a shared moment rather than a broadcast announcement.

The event closed with voter comments, which captured the spirit of the station far better than any summary could: gratitude, connection, growth, and a strong sense of belonging.

Whether named once, many times, or not at all, Vocal Booth Radio exists because DJs choose to contribute, through music, presence, support, conversation, and care.

Thank you to everyone who voted, listened, played, supported, and showed up.

This is what we’ve built together. “Look at what we did!”