PITTSBURGH, PA — Celebrated singer-songwriter Cathleen Ireland has emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 2025 Iron City Rocks Pittsburgh Music Awards, earning three prestigious honors: Best Singer-Songwriter, Best Album for In the City, and Best Song for the album’s powerful title track, “In The City.”
Presented annually by Iron City Rocks, the awards recognize outstanding musical talent across the Pittsburgh region and beyond. Ireland’s triple victory underscores both her artistic excellence and the profound connection she has built with audiences through her heartfelt songwriting and dynamic performances.
Released to critical acclaim, In the City captures the pulse and poetry of urban life while exploring themes of resilience, hope, and self-discovery. The album’s title track, “In The City,” stood out as a defining anthem — blending emotionally resonant lyrics with soaring melodies that reflect Ireland’s signature storytelling style. Together, the album and single have solidified her position as one of the region’s most compelling contemporary voices.
“This recognition means the world to me,” said Ireland. “Pittsburgh has always been home, and to be honored by the Iron City Rocks community is incredibly special. These songs were written from the heart, and I’m grateful they’ve found such a strong response.”
Ireland is represented by MTS Management Group, the award-winning artist development and promotion company founded by industry veteran Michael Stover. Under MTS’s guidance, Ireland has continued to expand her reach while staying rooted in authentic songwriting and artistic integrity.
In addition to Ireland’s sweep, progressive rock powerhouse XDB earned top honors as Best Progressive Band, further highlighting the diversity and strength of Pittsburgh’s music scene. XDB’s innovative musicianship and genre-defying sound have made them a standout force within the progressive rock community.
The 2025 awards showcase the continued vitality of Pittsburgh’s music landscape, celebrating artists who are pushing creative boundaries while honoring the city’s rich musical heritage. With her trio of wins, Cathleen Ireland joins an elite group of artists whose work resonates deeply both locally and nationally.
For more information about the Iron City Rocks Pittsburgh Music Awards, visit www.ironcityrocks.com.
