France's Malou Oex Wins Paris International Jazz Vocal Competition
French vocalist Malou Oex took first place at the 2026 Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocal Competition held at Fondation Louis Vuitton. This marks the first time in the competition's nearly 40-year history that the finals were held outside of the United States.
French vocalist Malou Oex (27) took first place at the 2026 Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocal Competition held at Fondation Louis Vuitton. The finals were held in Paris through a partnership with Fondation Louis Vuitton, marking the first time in the competition's nearly 40-year history that the finals have been held outside of the United States.
Three finalists selected by an all-star jury advanced to the finals. The judging panel included Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roberta Gambarini, Angélique Kidjo, Gretchen Parlato, and Gregory Porter. Oex showcased delicate expression in "I'm Glad There Is You" and a bold, playful interpretation in Michael Brecker's "Madame Toulouse." Georgia Heers took second place, and Lucy Ann Daniels took third place.
This final demonstrates the scope of the competition as an international jazz event, as it is the first instance of the competition expanding its stage outside of the United States. The vocalists performed alongside Carmen Staaf on piano, Ben Williams on bass, and Kendrick Scott on drums. Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons hosted the finals and the gala, and special guest Gustavo Dudamel introduced a tribute performance for Frank Gehry.
At the gala, Arturo Sandoval, who has contributed to jazz and music education, received the Maria Fisher Founder's Award presented by Herbie Hancock.
Covers K-pop for SPECIALTIMES GLOBAL, and also writes Culture and K-Variety stories.
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