Heather Feather won the award for Children's Artist of the Year, and Ana Luísa Ramos received Global Music Release of the Year.

Looking ahead, the ECMAs are set to take place in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 2026, continuing the celebration of East Coast music.

The awards ceremony featured performances from local artists, including Baraka from St. John's and Noah Malcolm from Prince Edward Island, showcasing the region's musical talent.

Concerns over diversity and inclusivity were raised among association members following Israel's departure, highlighting a need for the organization to evolve.

Jud Haynes was awarded Content Creator of the Year, while Hurricane Music Artist Management was recognized as Artist Management of the Year.

The East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) took place on May 11, 2025, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrating the vibrant talent of Atlantic music artists.

Kellie Loder, also from Newfoundland and Labrador, was recognized with the TD Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year and Fans’ Choice Video of the Year awards.

Halifax's Maggie Andrew celebrated her wins by getting a cod fish tattoo during the ceremony, where she was awarded African Canadian Artist of the Year and Rock/Alternative Release of the Year.

Posthumous honors were given to Chris Ryan with the Musician’s Achievement Award and Wade Pinhorn with the Industry Builder Award, acknowledging their contributions to the music scene.

The event began with an emotional tribute to Mark Hiscock, a beloved accordionist who passed away just before the awards ceremony.

The ECMAs have faced criticism regarding transparency and representation, leading to the ousting of CEO Blanche Israel earlier in 2025 and protests from some musicians.

Nova Scotia artist Classified emerged as a standout winner, taking home four prestigious awards including Solo Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year, Rap/Hip-Hop Release of the Year for "Sure Enough," and Release of the Year for "Amnesia."