Malou Oheix Shines at the 2026 Herbie Hancock Jazz Singing Competition

Celebrating Jazz Talent on a Global Stage

In an unforgettable evening in Paris, 27-year-old French singer Malou Oheix achieved a remarkable feat by winning first place at the 2026 Herbie Hancock Jazz Singing Competition, hosted at the prestigious Fondation Louis Vuitton. This event marked a historic milestone as it was the first time in nearly forty years that the competition took place outside the United States. Oheix's outstanding performance, which earned her a $50,000 scholarship, was the highlight of a weekend filled with jazz and celebration, culminating in an elegant gala featuring notable artists.

The competition’s finale, taking place on October 13, 2026, witnessed an electrifying atmosphere animated by the renowned actor Jeremy Irons. A panel of esteemed jurors, including jazz luminaries such as Dee Dee Bridgewater and Gregory Porter, had the challenging task of selecting the winner from a field of exceptional talent. In her winning performance, Oheix presented two contrasting pieces, showcasing a captivating vulnerability in her rendition of "I'm Glad There Is You" and an upbeat, playful interpretation of Michael Brecker's "Madame Toulouse."

Finishing behind Oheix were Georgia Heers, who secured second place with a flawless rendition of "Moon Don't Come Out Tonight," and Lucy-Anne Daniels, taking third with a powerful Afro-Cuban interpretation of "Nature Boy."

Each finalist was backed by an innovative rhythm section featuring talented musicians such as Carmen Staaf on piano, Ben Williams on bass, and Kendrick Scott on drums, enhancing the overall depth of the performances. Oheix's victory was announced by Jean-Paul Claverie, a prominent figure at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, during the gala that celebrated jazz's rich history and its enduring connection to the city of Paris.

The evening was notable not only for Oheix's triumph but also for honoring jazz icon Arturo Sandoval, who received the prestigious “Maria Fisher Founder’s Award” from Herbie Hancock in recognition of his artistic contribution. A collective of international musicians delivered an emotive tribute to Sandoval through a performance of "Caprichosos de La Habana," exemplifying the evening’s dedication to celebrating jazz culture.

Among the highlights was a poignant moment when Gustavo Dudamel paid tribute to the late architect Frank Gehry, who had been a longtime friend and board member of the Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute. The homage concluded with the world premiere of The Ever-Changing World, a new composition by renowned Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez, which was commissioned in Gehry’s honor.

The gala further captivated the audience with performances from notable artists including Dee Dee Bridgewater, who sang "J'ai Deux Amours," and Herbie Hancock himself, who marked the centenaries of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane with a stirring rendition of "So What."

In summary, the 2026 Herbie Hancock Jazz Singing Competition not only showcased remarkable talent from aspiring jazz singers around the globe but also reinforced the genre's profound legacy and its vibrant relationship with Paris. The weekend's events, broadcasted live worldwide, celebrated the unity and creativity inherent in jazz, ensuring it continues to resonate through generations.