This year’s competition was so tight that we couldn’t have predicted all the winners if we tried! Artists in several categories were neck-and-neck for weeks, with the ultimate champions determined only in the last day of voting. Take a look to find out this year’s best-of-the-best musically endowed Jews.

Best Jewish Album

Though his latest album was a unique remix of existing songs, you still love this reggae artist enough to give him his second JMA in this category.

And the winner is…

NO PLACE TO BE, MATISYAHU

Runner up: Misplaced, Moshav

New Artist Most Likely to Stick Around

This close race was between a Soviet-born singer-songwriter and an Israeli rock band. It wasn’t clear who was going to pull ahead, but in the end you made it clear you like your new artists to have fresh sounds and eclectic lyrics, just like those of this first-time nominee.

And the winner is…

REGINA SPEKTOR

Runner up: Moshav

Most Innovative Music

These bands push musical boundaries to create one-of-a-kind sounds that fans dig. If you’ve never seen the winning artist in concert, you won’t be disappointed when you do—if only to see Idan’s locks in action.

And the winner is…

IDAN RAICHEL PROJECT

Runner up: Balkan Beat Box

Best Israeli Artist/Group

This category is chock-full of talented musicians from the Holy Land, which made it hard for you to settle on just one. We’re glad these guys got a win—three near misses would have been hard to take! We have a feeling this rock band will be a permanent fixture on your iPods for years to come.

And the winner is…

MOSHAV

Runner up: Miri Ben-Ari

Best Jewish Singer/Group You Wish Would Refer More to Being Jewish

This rockin’ guitarist has had us all singing his catchy lyrics through two studio albums. We just wish he’d be more, well, Jewish about it! Hey Adam—our cover is waiting for you!

And the winner is…

ADAM LEVINE (OF MAROON 5)

Runner up: The Beastie Boys

Best Jewish Spoof Song

Laugh-out-loud songs about Hanukkah?! What’s not to love about this year’s hilarious winner?

And the winner is…

“HOW DO YOU SPELL CHANNUKKAHH?,” THE LEEVEES

Runner up: “Chanukah Song Part III,” Adam Sandler

Lifetime Achievement Award

It’s always a tough race when you pit the best Jewish musicians against one another. You think this year’s winner has had such an impact on music over the years that you want to honor him in the most important way—with a JMA, of course.

And the winner is…

BOB DYLAN

Runner up: Debbie Friedman

Congratulations to all of our winners! To find out more about your JMA winners, click here. To suggest nominees for next year, email us at editor@jvibe.com.

The JVIBE STAFF would like to thank our readers for voting and chastise certain nominees for not returning our calls. You know who you are, and we’ll be in touch next year.