Malou Oheix Triumphs at 2026 Herbie Hancock International Jazz Competition

Malou Oheix Triumphs at the Herbie Hancock Institute Jazz Competition 2026

On October 12, 2026, the jazz world witnessed a remarkable event as Malou Oheix, a 27-year-old talent from France, secured the first place at the highly anticipated Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition. This prestigious contest took place at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, marking a significant milestone since it was hosted outside the United States for the first time in nearly four decades.

The competition culminated in a thrilling finale, which featured three outstanding finalists selected by a distinguished jury, including renowned artists Dee Dee Bridgewater and Gregory Porter. Each finalist delivered captivating performances, showcasing the depth and versatility of jazz. Malou Oheix's interpretations included the poignant ballad “I'm Glad There Is You”, where she delivered a moving vulnerability, alongside a more energized rendition of Michael Brecker’s “Madame Toulouse.” Oheix's riveting performance ultimately led her to take home a scholarship prize of $50,000, awarded to her by Jean-Paul Claverie, the consultant to the president and CEO of the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

The second place was claimed by Georgia Heers, who enthralled the audience with “Moon Don't Come Out Tonight” and “Thou Swell.” Following her, Lucy-Anne Daniels took third place with impressive renditions of “Nature Boy” and “Old Devil Moon.” Throughout the performances, the finalists were skillfully backed by a talented rhythm section featuring Carmen Staaf on piano, Ben Williams on bass, and Kendrick Scott on drums.

The event was hosted by the Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, who, along with a gathering of prominent musicians, transformed the Fondation Louis Vuitton into an international jazz festival. This celebration recognized the deep-rooted connections between jazz music and the city of Paris.

In a touching tribute, the ten-time Grammy Award winner Arturo Sandoval received the Maria Fisher Founder’s Award from Herbie Hancock in recognition of his significant contributions to jazz and music education. An all-star ensemble, conducted by John Beasley, performed a medley in Sandoval’s honor, spicing up the evening with classics and modern jazz pieces.

Moreover, the event paid homage to the visionary architect Frank Gehry, who played an essential role in shaping the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Gustavo Dudamel, a special guest for the evening, conducted a heartfelt tribute reflecting on Gehry’s artistic spirit and his contributions to culture and architecture. The highlight of the tribute was the world premiere of The Ever-Changing World, a new composition commissioned by the institute in Gehry’s honor.

The gala featured various performances celebrating jazz's history in Paris. Dee Dee Bridgewater’s rendition of “J'ai Deux Amours”, an homage to the iconic Josephine Baker, and Herbie Hancock’s electrifying performance of “So What”, in memory of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane, further underscored the city’s integral role in shaping jazz history.

The evening wrapped up on a euphoric note with Gregory Porter’s soulful performance of “April in Paris.” An ensemble of young musicians from the Herbie Hancock Institute also showcased their talents with a rendition of “Autumn Leaves.”

This extraordinary competition, backed by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz and the Fondation Louis Vuitton, reached a global audience through live streaming on FLV Play and YouTube in stunning 4K quality. United Airlines provided transportation for the artists and participants, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in celebrating the art of jazz.

As the evening concluded, it was clear that Malou Oheix not only made a name for herself but also added a new chapter to the rich tapestry of jazz history, further intertwining it with the vibrant culture of Paris. The future of jazz looks bright with talents like hers emerging on the world stage.