Bart Peeters and Dana Winner Enter Radio 2 Hall of Fame
Two of Flanders’ most beloved musical artists, Bart Peeters and Dana Winner, have been selected for induction into the prestigious Radio 2 Eregalerij (Hall of Fame). The 24th edition of the ceremony will take place on 21 October 2026 at the Concertgebouw in Bruges, honoring both artists for “Een Leven vol Muziek” — a lifetime dedicated to music. The announcement was made on 15 June by VRT NWS, with the show to be hosted by Peter Van de Veire and featuring a live band under the musical direction of Miguel Wiels.
A Prestigious Honor
Founded in 2000 by Radio 2 and Sabam, the Eregalerij van het populaire lied in Vlaanderen (Hall of Fame of the Popular Song in Flanders) is one of the most esteemed music honors in the region. It celebrates timeless hits and lifetime achievements by Flemish artists and composers. Past recipients of the “Een Leven vol Muziek” award include legendary figures such as Will Tura, Johan Verminnen, Rocco Granata, Axelle Red, and Helmut Lotti.
This year marks a return to the Concertgebouw in Bruges, where the event was first held in 2003 and 2004, after last year’s edition took place at the Stadsschouwburg in Antwerp. According to TVvisie, both artists will be celebrated by fellow musicians and surprise guests during a dynamic evening of performances.
Bart Peeters: A Lifetime of Songwriting
Bart Peeters, born in Mortsel in 1959, has been making music since the age of seven, when he received a guitar from Sinterklaas. “I became a songwriter at age 7,” he recalled on Radio 2’s ‘Goeiemorgen Morgen’ program. “I’ve made thousands of songs, mostly for myself, sometimes for The Radios, musicals, theater. And it’s only now fully exploding.”
Peeters first rose to fame as the frontman of The Radios in the 1980s, whose hits “She Goes Nana” and “I’m Into Folk” became cultural touchstones — both songs have already been inducted into the Eregalerij in previous years. Since 2002, he has focused on Dutch-language pop with his band De Ideale Mannen, selling out the Lotto Arena in Antwerp multiple times. In 2023, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MIA’s (Music Industry Awards), adding to his collection of seven MIA statuettes.
Known for his witty wordplay and energetic live performances, Peeters has released 11 Dutch-language albums, four of which reached number one on the charts. His most recent album, “De kat zat op de krant” (2021), debuted at the top of the charts.
Dana Winner: From Church Choir to International Stardom
Dana Winner, born Chantal in Kermt, Limburg, began her musical journey singing in the local church choir. Her warm, emotive voice quickly set her apart. She released her first single “Op het dak van de wereld” in 1990, followed by a string of beloved hits including “Woordenloos,” “Westenwind,” “De oude man en de zee,” and “Ik hou van jou.”
Winner has sold over 3.5 million albums across Europe and beyond, finding audiences in Germany, Denmark, South Africa, and even Thailand. Her career reached new heights in 2016 when she participated in VTM’s “Liefde voor muziek.” Her cover of Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time” went viral on YouTube, amassing millions of views and bringing her fame as far as Thailand, where she was received like a world star with police escorts and a Rolls-Royce.
“I am eternally hoarse, while she truly has an angel’s voice,” Peeters said of his fellow honoree, expressing his hope that Winner might cover one of his songs during the ceremony.
What to Expect at the Ceremony
The 24th Radio 2 Eregalerij will feature performances by fellow artists paying tribute to both honorees. Radio 2 will also induct several new legendary songs into the Hall of Fame, with the specific tracks to be announced closer to the event. As reported by Showbizzsite, Peeters expressed his joy at the recognition: “I am very happy because I’m entering the Hall of Fame. It feels special, but it’s also the truth: my life has been full of music my whole life.”
A Celebration of Flemish Musical Heritage
The Radio 2 Eregalerij serves as a vital cultural institution in Flanders, connecting generations through shared musical memories. The simultaneous honoring of Peeters and Winner — representing the energetic, witty pop-rock tradition and the warm, emotional chanson style respectively — underscores the rich diversity of Flemish popular music.
With the ceremony still months away, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating two artists who have shaped the soundtrack of Flanders for decades.