Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz & Fondation Louis Vuitton Team for 2026 Vocal Competition: The Future of Jazz ‘Is Very Safe’
Malou Oheix wins first place, icon Arturo Sandoval also honored at event hosted by actor Jeremy Irons.
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, in collaboration with Fondation Louis Vuitton, recently concluded its International Jazz Vocals Competition in Paris with a ceremony that celebrated the enduring legacy of jazz while shedding light on the genre's growing appeal among younger vocalists. The event, which took place on October 11, featured award-winning artists such as Samara Joy and the Ezra Collective.
Herbie Hancock, speaking to Billboard after the ceremony, declared, "It’s very safe. Don’t worry about it," when asked about the future of jazz. The scholarships awarded to the winners, totaling over $100,000, will support their college-level jazz education studies and provide funds for private, specialized instruction.
Malou Oheix emerged victorious, winning the first place $50,000 scholarship for her performances of "I’m Glad There Is You" and a scat-filled reinterpretation of Michael Brecker’s "Madame Toulouse." Georgia Heers and Lucy-Anne Daniels took home the second and third place $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships, respectively, for their renditions of "Moon, Don’t Come Up Tonight" and "Nature Boy."
The event, held outside the U.S. for the first time, coincided with the 2026 centennial celebrations honoring jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The competition, hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, also honored Arturo Sandoval with the Maria Fisher Founder's Award and showcased other renowned jazz musicians, making it a memorable evening for jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
