The Americana Music Association has announced the nominees for this year’s Americana Honors & Awards. The nominations include Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Duo/Group of the Year, Emerging Act of the Year, and Song of the Year. The winners will be unveiled during Americanafest, which will return for its 26th year September 15 through 19 in Nashville, Tennessee. (See the full list of nominees below.)
Each year, the Americana Honors & Awards are a sort of “kick-off” for Americanafest, held on the Wednesday night of the conference and festival at the beloved Ryman Auditorium. This year the awards show falls on September 16; as the Americana Music Association explains via email, “Tickets to the Americana Honors & Awards are on sale now to Silver Wristband Holders. Honors & Awards tickets will be available to Festival Wristband Holders, members, and the general public at later dates.” Wristbands can be purchased here.
Nominees this year include country, roots, and Americana mainstream superstars like Tyler Childers, Brandi Carlile, and Mumford & Sons alongside newer discoveries and up-and-coming artists like Ken Pomeroy, Molly Tuttle, Mon Rovîa, Kashus Culpepper, and more. Other awards bestowed on September 16 will include Americana Lifetime Achievement Honors, the Legacy of Americana Award, and the Spirit of Americana Free Speech in Music Award.
In past years a trophy for Instrumentalist of the Year has also been announced in tandem with the “of the year” categories, this year the category was notably absent from the announcement. After outcry from musicians and members, the organization made a statement on social media a few days after the announcement stating that the Instrumentalist of the Year Award will be “presented at a later date.” The Honors & Awards host(s), house band, and musical performers have not yet been announced, but participants each year are stellar.
See the full list of nominees below and make plans now to attend the Americana Honors & Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Snipe Hunter, Tyler Childers; Produced by Tyler Childers, Rick Rubin, Nick Sanborn
Billionaire, Kathleen Edwards; Produced by Jason Isbell & Gena Johnson
Planting by the Signs, S.G. Goodman; Produced by S.G. Goodman, Matthew Rowan, Drew Vandenberg
Cruel Joke, Ken Pomeroy; Produced by Colton Jean, Dakota McDaniel, Gary Paczosa
Hard Headed Woman, Margo Price; Produced by Matt Ross-Spang
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Brandi Carlile
Charley Crockett
Margo Price
Molly Tuttle
Jesse Welles
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
Flatland Cavalry
I’m With Her
Mumford & Sons
Turnpike Troubadours
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR
Boy Golden
Crowe Boys
Kashus Culpepper
Ken Pomeroy
Mon Rovîa
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Returning To Myself,” Brandi Carlile; Written by Brandi Carlile
“Snapping Turtle,” S.G. Goodman; Written by S.G. Goodman
“Wild and Clear and Blue,” I’m With Her; Written by Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins
“Heavy Foot,” Mon Rovîa; Written by Grant Averill, Eric Cromartie, Cooper Holzman, Andrew Lowe
“The World’s Gone Wrong,” Lucinda Williams (feat. Brittney Spencer); Written by Tom Overby, Doug Pettibone, Lucinda Williams
Lead image courtesy of the Americana Music Association.
This post was updated to include mention of the Americana Music Association’s social media statement regarding Instrumentalist of the Year.
The 2026 GRAMMY Awards were handed out on February 1, 2026, by the Recording Academy at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Broadcast live on CBS, the primetime awards show is now viewable on demand on Paramount+. Earlier in the afternoon, the GRAMMY Premiere Ceremony, which was streamed via the GRAMMYs website and on YouTube, was held at the Peacock Theater, handing out dozens and dozens of additional awards across fields and categories.
Best Bluegrass Album was announced during the Premiere Ceremony. This year, nominees included Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter (Carter & Cleveland), Sierra Hull (A Tip Toe High Wire), Alison Krauss & Union Station (Arcadia), the SteelDrivers (Outrun), and Billy Strings (Highway Prayers). Strings took home the award, racking up his third gramophone in the category. While Hull, who was nominated in four categories, including Best Bluegrass Album, did not take home any GRAMMY Awards yesterday, she was featured during the Premiere Ceremony as a presenter and she made an appearance on the red carpet for the primetime awards show. Roots/bluegrass/folk supergroup I’m With Her – featuring Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins – were nominated and won twice, taking home the Best Folk Album trophy for Wild and Clear and Blue and the award for Best American Roots Song for “Ancient Light.”
Tyler Childers, who was nominated in four categories this year, received his first-ever GRAMMY Award for Best Country Song for “Bitin’ List,” a viral sensation from his critically acclaimed 2025 album, Snipe Hunter. The LP had been nominated for Best Contemporary Country Album – in one of the much buzzed-about split categories of Best Contemporary Country Album and Best Traditional Country Album – but the trophy went to Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken instead. In the other split category, upstart fan favorite Zach Top took home the Traditional Country honor for his sophomore release, Ain’t In It For My Health. It marks Top’s first GRAMMY Award.
Of course, beyond the Country & American Roots Music field, folk and roots music were represented in peak form across the many genres and categories of the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Album of the Year was awarded to Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, one of the best roots projects of last year as selected by the BGS Class of 2025. From the Premiere Ceremony and Best Bluegrass Album to the primetime broadcast and Album of the Year, roots music is and always has been a keystone of the biggest night in music.
Below, find the complete list of winners (in bold) from the Country & American Roots Music field, plus select categories featuring roots musicians, artists, and projects from across the various other GRAMMY fields and categories.
Country & American Roots Music
Best Country Solo Performance
“Nose On The Grindstone” – Tyler Childers “Good News” – Shaboozey “Bad As I Used To Be” – Chris Stapleton “I Never Lie” – Zach Top “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton “Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson “Love Me Like You Used To Do” – Margo Price, Tyler Childers “Amen” – Shaboozey, Jelly Roll “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” – George Strait, Chris Stapleton
Best Country Song
“Bitin’ List” – Tyler Childers, songwriter. (Tyler Childers) “Good News” – Michael Ross Pollack, Sam Elliot Roman, Jacob Torrey, songwriters. (Shaboozey) “I Never Lie” – Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top, songwriters. (Zach Top) “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Andy Albert, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson, songwriters. (Lainey Wilson) “A Song To Sing” – Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, songwriters. (Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton)
Best Traditional Country Album
Dollar A Day – Charley Crockett American Romance – Lukas Nelson Oh What A Beautiful World – Willie Nelson Hard Headed Woman – Margo Price Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top
Zach Top accepts the Best Traditional Country Album award for ‘Ain’t In It For My Health’ during the 68th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.)
Best Contemporary Country Album
Patterns – Kelsea Ballerini Snipe Hunter – Tyler Childers Evangeline Vs. The Machine – Eric Church Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll Postcards From Texas – Miranda Lambert
Best American Roots Performance
“LONELY AVENUE” – Jon Batiste, Featuring Randy Newman “Ancient Light” – I’m With Her “Crimson And Clay” – Jason Isbell “Richmond On The James” – Alison Krauss & Union Station “Beautiful Strangers” – Mavis Staples
Best Americana Performance
“Boom” – Sierra Hull “Poison In My Well” – Maggie Rose, Grace Potter “Godspeed” – Mavis Staples “That’s Gonna Leave A Mark” – Molly Tuttle “Horses” – Jesse Welles
Best American Roots Song
“Ancient Light” – Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins, songwriters. (I’m With Her) “BIG MONEY” – Jon Batiste, Mike Elizondo, Steve McEwan, songwriters. (Jon Batiste) “Foxes In The Snow” – Jason Isbell, songwriter. (Jason Isbell) “Middle” – Jesse Welles, songwriter. (Jesse Welles) “Spitfire” – Sierra Hull, songwriter. (Sierra Hull)
Best Americana Album
BIG MONEY – Jon Batiste Bloom – Larkin Poe Last Leaf On The Tree – Willie Nelson So Long Little Miss Sunshine – Molly Tuttle Middle – Jesse Welles
Best Bluegrass Album
Carter & Cleveland – Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter A Tip Toe High Wire – Sierra Hull Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union Station Outrun – The SteelDrivers Highway Prayers – Billy Strings
(L-R) Brandy Clark, Reba McEntire, and Lukas Nelson perform onstage during the 68th GRAMMY Awards. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.)
Best Traditional Blues Album
Ain’t Done With The Blues – Buddy Guy Room On The Porch – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey – Maria Muldaur Look Out Highway – Charlie Musselwhite Young Fashioned Ways – Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush
Best Contemporary Blues Album
Breakthrough – Joe Bonamassa Paper Doll – Samantha Fish A Tribute To LJK – Eric Gales Preacher Kids – Robert Randolph Family – Southern Avenue
Best Folk Album
What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow – Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson Crown Of Roses – Patty Griffin Wild And Clear And Blue – I’m With Her Foxes In The Snow – Jason Isbell Under The Powerlines (April 24 – September 24) – Jesse Welles
Best Regional Roots Music Album
Live At Vaughan’s – Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet For Fat Man – Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band Church Of New Orleans – Kyle Roussel Second Line Sunday – Trombone Shorty And New Breed Brass Band A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco – Various Artists
Molly Tuttle walks the red carpet at the 68th GRAMMY Awards. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.)
General Field
Producer of the Year (Non-Classical)
Dan Auerbach Cirkut Dijon Blake Mills Sounwave
Jazz, Traditional Pop, Contemporary Instrumental & Musical Theater
Best Jazz Performance
“Noble Rise” – Lakecia Benjamin, Featuring Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield “Windows – Live” – Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade “Peace Of Mind / Dreams Come True” – Samara Joy “Four” – Michael Mayo “All Stars Lead To You – Live” – Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach, Tom Scott, Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold & Rachel Eckroth
Best Jazz Instrumental Album
Trilogy 3 (Live) – Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade Southern Nights – Sullivan Fortner, Featuring Peter Washington & Marcus Gilmore Belonging – Branford Marsalis Quartet Spirit Fall – John Patitucci, Featuring Chris Potter & Brian Blade Fasten Up – Yellowjackets
Best Alternative Jazz Album
honey from a winter stone – Ambrose Akinmusire Keys To The CityVolume One – Robert Glasper Ride into the Sun – Brad Mehldau LIVE-ACTION – Nate Smith Blues Blood – Immanuel Wilkins
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Wintersongs – Laila Biali The Gift Of Love – Jennifer Hudson Who Believes In Angels? – Elton John & Brandi Carlile Harlequin – Lady Gaga A Matter Of Time – Laufey The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2 – Barbra Streisand
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
Brightside – ARKAI Ones & Twos – Gerald Clayton BEATrio – Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Just Us – Bob James & Dave Koz Shayan – Charu Suri
Sierra Hull speaks on stage during the 68th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.)
Gospel & Contemporary Christian Music
Best Roots Gospel Album
I Will Not Be Moved (Live) – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Then Came The Morning – Gaither Vocal Band Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah – The Isaacs Good Answers – Karen Peck & New River Back To My Roots – Candi Staton
Latin, Global, Reggae & New Age, Ambient, or Chant
Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)
MALA MÍA – Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera Y Lo Que Viene – Grupo Frontera Sin Rodeos – Paola Jara Palabra De To’s (Seca) – Carín León Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya Y Una Mía – Por La Puerta Grande(En Vivo) – Bobby Pulido
Best Global Music Performance
“EoO” – Bad Bunny “Cantando en el Camino” – Ciro Hurtado “JERUSALEMA” – Angélique Kidjo “Inmigrante Y Que?” – Yeisy Rojas “Shrini’s Dream (Live)” – Shakti “Daybreak” – Anoushka Shankar, Featuring Alam Khan, Sarathy Korwar
Children’s, Comedy, Audio Books, Visual Media & Music Video/Film
Best Song Written For Visual Media
“As Alive As You Need Me To Be” [From TRON: Ares] – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, songwriters. (Nine Inch Nails) “Golden” [From KPop Demon Hunters] – EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters. (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI) “I Lied to You” [From Sinners] – Ludwig Göransson & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters. (Miles Caton) “Never Too Late” [From Elton John: Never Too Late] – Brandi Carlile, Elton John, Bernie Taupin & Andrew Watt, songwriters. (Elton John, Brandi Carlile) “Pale, Pale Moon” [From Sinners] – Ludwig Göransson & Brittany Howard, songwriters. (Jayme Lawson) “Sinners” [From Sinners] – Leonard Denisenko, Rodarius Green, Travis Harrington, Tarkan Kozluklu, Kyris Mingo & Darius Povilinus, songwriters. (Rod Wave)
“First Snow” – Remy Le Boeuf, composer. (Nordkraft Big Band, Remy Le Boeuf & Danielle Wertz) “Live Life This Day: Movement I” – Miho Hazama, composer. (Miho Hazama, Danish Radio Big Band & Danish National Symphony Orchestra) “Lord, That’s A Long Way” – Sierra Hull, composer. (Sierra Hull) “Opening” – Zain Effendi, composer. (Zain Effendi) “Train To Emerald City” – John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, composers (John Powell & Stephen Schwartz) “Why You Here / Before The Sun Went Down” – Ludwig Göransson, composer. (Ludwig Göransson, Featuring Miles Caton)
Photo Credit: All photos by Getty Images for the Recording Academy, courtesy of the Recording Academy. Photographer credits as marked.
Lead and Alternate Images: I’m With Her, (L to R) Sara Watkins, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sarah Jarosz, accept the GRAMMY for Best Folk Album. Shot by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for the Recording Academy.
Yesterday, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Folk Alliance International (FAI) – the world’s largest membership organization for the folk music industry and community – announced winners and recipients for their 2026 International Folk Music Awards. The awards show, held during FAI’s annual conference which just began in New Orleans, included handing out honors for the Best of 2025 nominees (which are nominated and voted for by FAI’s voting membership), plus presentations of the Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Spirit of Folk Awards, the People’s Voice Award, the Clearwater Award, the Rising Tide Award, and Folk Radio Hall of Fame inductions. The IFMAs were streamed live on YouTube, fans and viewers can watch the archived broadcast now below.
The awards show included stunning live performances by artists like Kyshona, Yasmin Williams, and Louisiana’s own artists and bands like Leyla McCalla, The Rumble, C.J. Chenier, and more. Taj Mahal, Clifton Chenier (father to C.J.), and Louisiana Folk Roots were each bestowed with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Meanwhile, the People’s Voice Award was handed out to Kyshona; the Rising Tide Award to Yasmin Williams; and the Clearwater Award to the Edmonton Folk Festival.
In the Best of 2025 categories, two acts tied for Artist of the Year: singer-songwriter, activist and protestor Carsie Blanton with folk and bluegrass supergroup I’m With Her. I’m With Her were also awarded Album of the Year.
The International Folk Music Awards show is always a highlight of each year’s Folk Alliance International conference. It’s a sort of kick-off on the first night of the event, a starting bell for showcases official and unofficial and for the next few days, all packed full of excellent folk music from all around the world – and a healthy helping from New Orleans, too.
Below, find the full list of winners (in bold) and awards recipients for the 2026 International Folk Music Awards.
Taj Mahal, a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, performs during the 2026 IFMAs. Photo by Shadow Scape Records.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Taj Mahal Clifton Chenier Louisiana Folk Roots
Artist of the Year
Abbie Gardner Carsie Blanton (TIE) Crys Matthews I’m With Her (TIE) Ordinary Elephant Sam Robbins
Album of the Year
Arcadia, Alison Krauss & Union Station
CHURCH, Flamy Grant
Room On The Porch, Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
Reclamation, Crys Matthews
Wild and Clear and Blue, I’m With Her
Woody At Home: Volumes 1 + 2, Woody Guthrie
Song of the Year
“Ain’t Afraid To Die” – Woody Guthrie (songwriter: Woody Guthrie)
“Crying In The Night” – Andrew Bird & Madison Cunningham (songwriter: Stevie Nicks)
“I BOUGHT ME A PRESIDENT” – Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer (songwriters: Cathy Fink, Tom Paxton)
“Room On The Porch” – Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Ruby Amanfu (songwriters: Ahmen Mahal, Henry St. Claire Fredericks, Jr., Kevin R. Moore, Ruby Amanfu)
On November 19, 2025 the 59th Annual CMA Awards were broadcast live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Hosted by Lainey Wilson for the second year in a row, the primetime awards show is now streaming on Hulu for any viewers who were unable to tune in live. Wilson not only hosted, she also dominated the awards, taking home trophies for Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and the evening’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year. The Louisianan country sensation has now won 12 CMA Awards out of 25 nominations in just four years of eligibility – including two Entertainer of the Year wins.
The other standout award recipient of the night was “you look like you love me,” a viral hit for mainstream country stars Ella Langley & Riley Green. The track garnered trophies for Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. Meanwhile Post Malone, who has now been nominated for CMA Awards five times over the past two years, landed his very first CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year for his song, “Pour Me A Drink,” featuring Blake Shelton. Bluegrass-steeped country phenomenon Zach Top also received his first CMA Award – for New Artist of the Year – after two huge, breakout years for everyone’s new favorite neo-traditionalist.
The broadcast included live performances and exciting collaborations from artists like Wilson, Top, Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr., the Red Clay Strays, Tucker Wetmore, and many more. Legendary country, bluegrass, and Americana multi-hyphenate Vince Gill was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award – the presentation featuring a surprise appearance by last year’s awardee, George Strait. Gill’s longtime pal and collaborator, pedal steel guitarist extraordinaire Paul Franklin, took home the award for Musician of the Year.
Chesney, who recently released a best-selling book, Heart Life Music, performed a medley of “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down.” to mark his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fme, and to celebrate his fellow newly minted Hall of Fame members June Carter Cash and Tony Brown, too. Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless joined together to honor Gill with a rousing performance of “When I Call Your Name,” a No. 2 Billboard hit for Gill that shone and sparkled on the CMA stage with rich, reedy harmonies by Carlile and Loveless.
Fans can stream the CMA Awards Show now on Hulu. Find the full list of nominees and winners (in bold) for the 59th Annual CMA Awards below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs Cody Johnson Chris Stapleton Morgan Wallen Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson Producer: Jay Joyce Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney Producer: Kristian Bush Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top Producer: Carson Chamberlain Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green Producer: Will Bundy Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney Producer: Kristian Bush Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top Producer: Carson Chamberlain Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson Producer: Jay Joyce Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
SONG OF THE YEAR
“4x4xU” Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?” Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie” Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
“Texas” Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
“you look like you love me” Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini Miranda Lambert Ella Langley Megan Moroney Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs Cody Johnson Chris Stapleton Zach Top Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady A Little Big Town Old Dominion Rascal Flatts The Red Clay Strays
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn Brothers Osborne Dan + Shay Maddie & Tae The War And Treaty
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley) Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll Producer: Micah Nichols
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood) Producer: Trent Willmon
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton) Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney) Producer: Kristian Bush
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar Brent Mason – Guitar Rob McNelley – Guitar Derek Wells – Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood) Director: Dustin Haney
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson Director: TK McKamy
“Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton Director: Running Bear
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ella Langley Shaboozey Zach Top Tucker Wetmore Stephen Wilson Jr.
Today, Folk Alliance International (FAI) – the world’s largest membership organization for the folk music industry and community – announced the nominees and awardees for the 2026 International Folk Music Awards. The announcement includes Best of 2025 nominees, which are nominated and voted for by FAI’s voting membership, the Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Spirit of Folk Awards, the People’s Voice Award, the Clearwater Award, the Rising Tide Award, and Folk Radio Hall of Fame inductions.
The awards will be staged on the first night of FAI’s 38th annual conference, which will take place January 21-25, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana with a conference theme of “Rise Up.” Late last month ahead of the awards announcement, New Orleans icons Big Freedia and Tarriona “Tank” Ball (of Tank and the Bangas) were announced as keynote speakers for the conference.
Nominees for the Best of 2025 categories include artists from across many diverse folk genres like Alison Krauss & Union Station, Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’, I’m With Her, Carsie Blanton, Abbie Gardner, The Baltic Sisters, Flamy Grant, Woody Guthrie, Ordinary Elephant, Crys Matthews, and many more. Taj Mahal will also receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Extraordinary guitarist Yasmin Williams was announced as the recipient of the Rising Tide Award, while singer-songwriter Kyshona has been tapped for the People’s Voice Award.
The International Folk Music Awards show is always a highlight of each year’s Folk Alliance International conference. It’s a sort of evening kick-off on the first night of the event, a starting bell for showcases official and unofficial and for the next few days, all packed full of excellent folk music from all around the world – and a healthy helping from New Orleans, too.
Below, find the full list of nominees and awards recipients for the 2026 International Folk Music Awards.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Taj Mahal Clifton Chenier Louisiana Folk Roots
Artist of the Year
Abbie Gardner Carsie Blanton Crys Matthews I’m With Her Ordinary Elephant Sam Robbins
Album of the Year
Arcadia, Alison Krauss & Union Station
CHURCH, Flamy Grant
Room On The Porch, Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
Reclamation, Crys Matthews
Wild and Clear and Blue, I’m With Her
Woody At Home: Volumes 1 + 2, Woody Guthrie
Song of the Year
“Ain’t Afraid To Die” – Woody Guthrie (songwriter: Woody Guthrie)
“Crying In The Night” – Andrew Bird & Madison Cunningham (songwriter: Stevie Nicks)
“I BOUGHT ME A PRESIDENT” – Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer (songwriters: Cathy Fink, Tom Paxton)
“Room On The Porch” – Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Ruby Amanfu (songwriters: Ahmen Mahal, Henry St. Claire Fredericks, Jr., Kevin R. Moore, Ruby Amanfu)
“Sisters Of The Night Watch” – I’m With Her (songwriters: Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz)
Global Folk Album Award
At the Feet of the Beloved, Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali
Bagola, Trio Da Kali
Niepraudzivaya, Hajda Banda
Tales of Earth and Sun, Rastak
VÄRAV/VĀRTI/VARTAI, The Baltic Sisters
Vié Kaz, Votia
Spirit of Folk Awards
Laura Thomas, ComboPlate Booking
Rachel Ornelas, Cultural Heritage Manager, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Alex Mallett, Deputy Director, Folk Alliance International
Cindy Cogbill, Overton Park Shell and Folk Alliance International
People’s Voice Award
Kyshona
Rising Tide Award
Yasmin Williams
Clearwater Award
Edmonton Folk Festival
Folk Radio Hall of Fame Inductees
Susan Forbes Hansen (WHUS) Kieran Hanrahan (RTE Radio 1) Ron Olesko (Folk Music Notebook) Michael Stock (WLRN)
Find out more about Folk Alliance International’s annual conference in New Orleans January 21-25, 2026 and make plans to attend the International Folk Music Awards here.
Photos courtesy of Folk Alliance International. Lead image (L to R): Yasmin Williams; Carsie Blanton; Kyshona.
The nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards have been announced by the Recording Academy, looking ahead to “Music’s Biggest Night” on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The primetime show will be broadcast live on CBS and will stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Legends, icons, familiar names, and first-time nominees can all be found across the 95 GRAMMY categories that have been unveiled. In the Country & American Roots Music field, standouts include Tyler Childers (4 nominations), Lainey Wilson (3 nominations), Sierra Hull (4 nominations, including Best Instrumental Composition), Jesse Welles (4 nominations), and I’m With Her (3 nominations). Alison Krauss & Union Station, who released their first album in 14 years, Arcadia, earlier this year, have been nominated twice for 2026, bringing Krauss’ total number of nominations across her career to 46. Krauss is one of the most-nominated and most-awarded artists in GRAMMY history.
Unsurprisingly, one of those nominations for Krauss & Union Station finds Arcadia in the running for Best Bluegrass Album. The LP will compete with Carter & Cleveland by Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland, A Tip Toe High Wire by Sierra Hull, Outrun by the SteelDrivers, and Highway Prayers by Billy Strings for the Best Bluegrass Album gramophone. (This year, Best Bluegrass Album is Strings’ sole nomination.)
In country, for the first time Best Country Album has been split into two constituent categories, Best Contemporary Country Album and Best Traditional Country Album. Kelsea Ballerini, Tyler Childers, Eric Church, Jelly Roll, and Miranda Lambert will vie for Best Contemporary Country Album this year, while Charley Crockett, Margo Price, and Zach Top find themselves nominated for Best Traditional Country Album – with father-and-son Willie and Lukas Nelson nominated as well, pitted against each other for the very first time.
Outside of the Country & American Roots Music field, roots musicians are represented far and wide. Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, and Antonio Sánchez’s BEATrio self-titled record is nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Dan Auerbach is up for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical). Elton John and Brandi Carlile are nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Song Written For Visual Media. Plus, Sinners, the phenomenal and horrifying Ryan Coogler film steeped in various roots music traditions, has racked up five nominations across categories and fields.
It’s certainly an exciting roster of nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards! Below, find the complete list of nominations from the Country & American Roots Music field, plus select categories featuring roots musicians, artists, and projects from across the various other GRAMMY fields and categories.
The 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Country & American Roots Music
Best Country Solo Performance
“Nose On The Grindstone” – Tyler Childers “Good News” – Shaboozey “Bad As I Used To Be” – Chris Stapleton “I Never Lie” – Zach Top “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton “Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson “Love Me Like You Used To Do” – Margo Price, Tyler Childers “Amen” – Shaboozey, Jelly Roll “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” – George Strait, Chris Stapleton
Best Country Song
“Bitin’ List” – Tyler Childers, songwriter. (Tyler Childers) “Good News” – Michael Ross Pollack, Sam Elliot Roman, Jacob Torrey, songwriters. (Shaboozey) “I Never Lie” – Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top, songwriters. (Zach Top) “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Andy Albert, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson, songwriters. (Lainey Wilson) “A Song To Sing” – Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, songwriters. (Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton)
Best Traditional Country Album
Dollar A Day – Charley Crockett American Romance – Lukas Nelson Oh What A Beautiful World – Willie Nelson Hard Headed Woman – Margo Price Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top
Best Contemporary Country Album
Patterns – Kelsea Ballerini Snipe Hunter – Tyler Childers Evangeline Vs. The Machine – Eric Church Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll Postcards From Texas – Miranda Lambert
Best American Roots Performance
“LONELY AVENUE” – Jon Batiste, Featuring Randy Newman “Ancient Light” – I’m With Her “Crimson And Clay” – Jason Isbell “Richmond On The James” – Alison Krauss & Union Station “Beautiful Strangers” – Mavis Staples
Best Americana Performance
“Boom” – Sierra Hull “Poison In My Well” – Maggie Rose, Grace Potter “Godspeed” – Mavis Staples “That’s Gonna Leave A Mark” – Molly Tuttle “Horses” – Jesse Welles
Best American Roots Song
“Ancient Light” – Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins, songwriters. (I’m With Her) “BIG MONEY” – Jon Batiste, Mike Elizondo, Steve McEwan, songwriters. (Jon Batiste) “Foxes In The Snow” – Jason Isbell, songwriter. (Jason Isbell) “Middle” – Jesse Welles, songwriter. (Jesse Welles) “Spitfire” – Sierra Hull, songwriter. (Sierra Hull)
Best Americana Album
BIG MONEY – Jon Batiste Bloom – Larkin Poe Last Leaf On The Tree – Willie Nelson So Long Little Miss Sunshine – Molly Tuttle Middle – Jesse Welles
Best Bluegrass Album
Carter & Cleveland – Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter A Tip Toe High Wire – Sierra Hull Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union Station Outrun – The SteelDrivers Highway Prayers – Billy Strings
Best Traditional Blues Album
Ain’t Done With The Blues – Buddy Guy Room On The Porch – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey – Maria Muldaur Look Out Highway – Charlie Musselwhite Young Fashioned Ways – Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush
Best Contemporary Blues Album
Breakthrough – Joe Bonamassa Paper Doll – Samantha Fish A Tribute To LJK – Eric Gales Preacher Kids – Robert Randolph Family – Southern Avenue
Best Folk Album
What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow – Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson Crown Of Roses – Patty Griffin Wild And Clear And Blue – I’m With Her Foxes In The Snow – Jason Isbell Under The Powerlines (April 24 – September 24) – Jesse Welles
Best Regional Roots Music Album
Live At Vaughan’s – Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet For Fat Man – Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band Church Of New Orleans – Kyle Roussel Second Line Sunday – Trombone Shorty And New Breed Brass Band A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco – Various Artists
General Field
Producer of the Year (Non-Classical)
Dan Auerbach Cirkut Dijon Blake Mills Sounwave
Jazz, Traditional Pop, Contemporary Instrumental & Musical Theater
Best Jazz Performance
“Noble Rise” – Lakecia Benjamin, Featuring Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield “Windows – Live” – Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade “Peace Of Mind / Dreams Come True” – Samara Joy “Four” – Michael Mayo “All Stars Lead To You – Live” – Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach, Tom Scott, Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold & Rachel Eckroth
Best Jazz Instrumental Album
Trilogy 3 (Live) – Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade Southern Nights – Sullivan Fortner, Featuring Peter Washington & Marcus Gilmore Belonging – Branford Marsalis Quartet Spirit Fall – John Patitucci, Featuring Chris Potter & Brian Blade Fasten Up – Yellowjackets
Best Alternative Jazz Album
honey from a winter stone – Ambrose Akinmusire Keys To The CityVolume One – Robert Glasper Ride into the Sun – Brad Mehldau LIVE-ACTION – Nate Smith Blues Blood – Immanuel Wilkins
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Wintersongs – Laila Biali The Gift Of Love – Jennifer Hudson Who Believes In Angels? – Elton John & Brandi Carlile Harlequin – Lady Gaga A Matter Of Time – Laufey The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2 – Barbra Streisand
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
Brightside – ARKAI Ones & Twos – Gerald Clayton BEATrio – Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Just Us – Bob James & Dave Koz Shayan – Charu Suri
Gospel & Contemporary Christian Music
Best Roots Gospel Album
I Will Not Be Moved (Live) – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Then Came The Morning – Gaither Vocal Band Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah – The Isaacs Good Answers – Karen Peck & New River Back To My Roots – Candi Staton
Latin, Global, Reggae & New Age, Ambient, or Chant
Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)
MALA MÍA – Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera Y Lo Que Viene – Grupo Frontera Sin Rodeos – Paola Jara Palabra De To’s (Seca) – Carín León Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya Y Una Mía – Por La Puerta Grande(En Vivo) – Bobby Pulido
Best Global Music Performance
“EoO” – Bad Bunny “Cantando en el Camino” – Ciro Hurtado “JERUSALEMA” – Angélique Kidjo “Inmigrante Y Que?” – Yeisy Rojas “Shrini’s Dream (Live)” – Shakti “Daybreak” – Anoushka Shankar, Featuring Alam Khan, Sarathy Korwar
Children’s, Comedy, Audio Books, Visual Media & Music Video/Film
Best Song Written For Visual Media
“As Alive As You Need Me To Be” [From TRON: Ares] – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, songwriters. (Nine Inch Nails) “Golden” [From KPop Demon Hunters] – EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters. (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI) “I Lied to You” [From Sinners] – Ludwig Göransson & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters. (Miles Caton) “Never Too Late” [From Elton John: Never Too Late] – Brandi Carlile, Elton John, Bernie Taupin & Andrew Watt, songwriters. (Elton John, Brandi Carlile) “Pale, Pale Moon” [From Sinners] – Ludwig Göransson & Brittany Howard, songwriters. (Jayme Lawson) “Sinners” [From Sinners] – Leonard Denisenko, Rodarius Green, Travis Harrington, Tarkan Kozluklu, Kyris Mingo & Darius Povilinus, songwriters. (Rod Wave)
“First Snow” – Remy Le Boeuf, composer. (Nordkraft Big Band, Remy Le Boeuf & Danielle Wertz) “Live Life This Day: Movement I” – Miho Hazama, composer. (Miho Hazama, Danish Radio Big Band & Danish National Symphony Orchestra) “Lord, That’s A Long Way” – Sierra Hull, composer. (Sierra Hull) “Opening” – Zain Effendi, composer. (Zain Effendi) “Train To Emerald City” – John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, composers (John Powell & Stephen Schwartz) “Why You Here / Before The Sun Went Down” – Ludwig Göransson, composer. (Ludwig Göransson, Featuring Miles Caton)
Photo Credit: Tyler Childers by Sam Waxman; Sierra Hull courtesy of the artist.
On Monday, September 8, 2025 the Country Music Association announced the nominees for the 59th Annual CMA Awards. With six nods a piece, country stars Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Ella Langley tied each other for the lead in total nominations at the longest-running country music awards show. The CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
Following Wilson, Moroney, and Langley in nominations is a quickly rising star at the very top of most listeners’ minds these days, Zach Top, who will vie for awards in the Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and New Artist of the Year categories. Fiddler Jenee Fleenor, a five-time winner of Musician of the Year, is nominated again in the category this year, alongside guitarists Brent Mason, Rob McNelley, and Derek Wells and pedal steel genius Paul Franklin.
In addition to Top and Fleenor other notable nominees from the bluegrass and Americana worlds include the War and Treaty (Vocal Duo of the Year), Chris Stapleton (Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year), and the Red Clay Strays (Vocal Group of the Year).
Shaboozey is nominated for the second year in a row for New Artist of the Year, and relative newcomer to the genre Post Malone gained two nominations this year (remarkably, one less nomination than in 2024), for F-1 Trillion (Album of the Year) and “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton (Musical Event of the Year).
It’s clear that whatever your preferred subspecies of country music, this year’s batch of nominees for the CMA Awards holds more than enough variety to satisfy your tastes. From the most polished radio-ready pop country to gristly full-bore rock and roll, from high femme glamor bops to ’90s vocals (and of course the hairstyles, too), there’s plenty of Good Country to be found among this year’s nominations.
Find the full list of nominees for the 59th Annual CMA Awards below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs Cody Johnson Chris Stapleton Morgan Wallen Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson Producer: Jay Joyce Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney Producer: Kristian Bush Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top Producer: Carson Chamberlain Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green Producer: Will Bundy Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney Producer: Kristian Bush Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top Producer: Carson Chamberlain Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson Producer: Jay Joyce Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
SONG OF THE YEAR
“4x4xU” Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?” Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie” Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
“Texas” Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
“you look like you love me” Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini Miranda Lambert Ella Langley Megan Moroney Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs Cody Johnson Chris Stapleton Zach Top Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady A Little Big Town Old Dominion Rascal Flatts The Red Clay Strays
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn Brothers Osborne Dan + Shay Maddie & Tae The War And Treaty
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley) Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll Producer: Micah Nichols
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood) Producer: Trent Willmon
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton) Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney) Producer: Kristian Bush
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar Brent Mason – Guitar Rob McNelley – Guitar Derek Wells – Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood) Director: Dustin Haney
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson Director: TK McKamy
“Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton Director: Running Bear
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ella Langley Shaboozey Zach Top Tucker Wetmore Stephen Wilson Jr.
Today, July 16, 2025, the nominees, inductees, and recipients of the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards were announced in Nashville, Tennessee at a special live event broadcast from SiriusXM’s studios co-hosted by Sierra Hull and Bluegrass Junction radio host and programmer Joey Black. The announcement broadcast also featured live on-air performances by Hull and the Travelin’ McCourys.
Alison Krauss & Union Station lead the nominations following the release of their first album in over a decade, Arcadia. Between Krauss, and Union Station’s band members, the group have amassed nine nominations, including Entertainer of the Year – for which their last win was in 1995 – Album of the Year, and Vocal Group of the Year. Billy Strings, who last took home an Entertainer of the Year trophy in 2023, received five nominations – for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Instrumental Group of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Guitar Player of the Year.
Alison Brown & Steve Martin have racked up a handful of nominations between them this year, too, and Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland’s excellent new duo album – and the pair of fiddlers themselves – appear all across the nominees list, the duo collecting nine nominations together and separately.
And, for the first time in the nearly 40-year history of the IBMA, a Black person will be inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Arnold Schultz, a seminal figure in bluegrass, blues, and old-time credited with greatly influencing the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, will be the first non-white member of the genre’s hall of honor.
“Our mission is to inspire innovation by recognizing the great work done by artists this past year and to honor tradition by inducting new members into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame,” said Ken White, executive director of IBMA, via press release. “The early influence of Arnold Shultz on Bill Monroe continues to shine through in the playing of even the youngest member of Kids on Bluegrass.”
Joining Schultz in this year’s class of Hall of Fame inductees are the Bluegrass Cardinals and Hot Rize. Additionally, IBMA announced 2025 recipients of their Distinguished Achievement Award, including Alan Arthur Knoth, Penny Parsons, Ron Thomason, Sidney Austin, LLP, and Missy Raines.
IBMA’s annual conference, World of Bluegrass, the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, and the organization’s annual festival, IBMA Bluegrass Live! will take place this year in a brand new host city, Chattanooga, Tennessee. The conference will run September 16-18 at the Chattanooga Convention Center; the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, the event’s showcase series, will also run Sept. 16-18 in local venues. The 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, where the winners, recipients, and inductees will be honored by their peers and fans, is scheduled for Thursday evening, Sept. 18; IBMA Bluegrass Live! will be heldSept. 19-20.
Find more information on IBMA and all of this year’s World of Bluegrass events in Chattanooga here and find the full list of nominees, recipients, and inductees below.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Union Station Appalachian Road Show Billy Strings East Nash Grass The Del McCoury Band
SONG OF THE YEAR
“5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” – Alison Brown, Steve Martin, Featuring Tim O’Brien Songwriters: Steve Martin, Alison Brown Producers: Alison Brown, Garry West Label: Compass Records
“Big Wheels” – Authentic Unlimited Songwriter: Jerry Cole Producer: Authentic Unlimited Label: Billy Blue Records
“Coal Dust Kisses” – The Grascals Songwriters: Susanne Mumpower, Jerry Salley Producer: The Grascals Label: Mountain Home Music Company
“My Favorite Picture of You” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge Songwriters: Darin Aldridge, Brooke Aldridge, Dennis Duff Producers: Darin Aldridge, Mark Fain Label: Billy Blue Records
“Outrun the Rain” – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland Songwriters: Terry Herd, Jimmy Yeary Producers: Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland Label: Fiddle Man Records
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union Station Producer: Alison Krauss & Union Station Label: Down the Road Records
Carter & Cleveland – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland Producers: Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland Label: Fiddle Man Records
Earl Jam – Tony Trischka Producers: Tony Trischka, Lawson White Label: Down the Road Records
Highway Prayers – Billy Strings Producers: Billy Strings, Jon Brion Label: Reprise Records
I Built a World – Bronwyn Keith-Hynes Producers: Brent Truitt, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes Label: Sugar Petunia Records
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Union Station Authentic Unlimited Blue Highway Sister Sadie The Del McCoury Band
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings East Nash Grass Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway The Travelin’ McCourys
GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Blue Collar Gospel” – Jerry Salley Featuring The Oak Ridge Boys Songwriters: Rick Lang, Bill Whyte, Jerry Salley Producer: Jerry Salley Label: Billy Blue Records
“Dear Lord” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge Songwriter: Daniel Davis Producers: Darin Aldridge, Mark Fain Label: Billy Blue Records
“Even Better When You Listen” – Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Songwriters: Rick Lang, Mark BonDurant Producer: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Label: Billy Blue Records
“He’s Gone” – Jaelee Roberts Songwriter: Kelsi Harrigill Producer: Byron House Label: Mountain Home Music Company
“Wings of Love” – Authentic Unlimited Songwriters: Jesse Brock, Stephen Burwell, Jerry Cole, Eli Johnston, John Meador Producer: Authentic Unlimited Label: Billy Blue Records
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Bluegrass in the Backwoods” – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland Songwriter: Kenny Baker Producers: Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland Label: Fiddle Man Records
“The Drifter” – Danny Roberts Songwriter: Danny Roberts Producers: Danny Roberts, Andrea Roberts Label: Mountain Home Music Company
“A Drive at Dusk” – Authentic Unlimited Songwriter: Jesse Brock Producer: Authentic Unlimited Label: Billy Blue Records
“Kern County Breakdown” – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland Songwriter: Buck Owens, Don Rich Producers: Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland Label: Fiddle Man Records
“Ralph’s Banjo Special” – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt, Alison Brown Songwriter: Ralph Stanley Producer: Alison Brown Label: Compass Records
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
AJ Lee & Blue Summit Bronwyn Keith-Hynes Jason Carter Red Camel Collective Wyatt Ellis
COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” – Alison Brown & Steve Martin Featuring Tim O’Brien Songwriters: Steve Martin, Alison Brown Producer: Alison Brown, Garry West Label: Compass Records
“A Million Memories (A Song for Byron)” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge Featuring Vince Gill Songwriter: Vince Gill Producers: Darin Aldridge, Mark Fain Label: Billy Blue Records
“Cora Is Gone” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski Featuring Rob McCoury, Billy Strings Songwriter: Mac Odell Producer: C.J. Lewandowski Label: Turnberry Records
“Outrun the Rain” – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland, Jaelee Roberts, Vince Gill Songwriters: Terry Herd, Jimmy Yeary Producers: Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland Label: Fiddle Man Records
“Ralph’s Banjo Special” – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt, Alison Brown Songwriter: Ralph Stanley Producer: Alison Brown Label: Compass Records
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings Dan Tyminski Del McCoury Greg Blake Russell Moore
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
AJ Lee Alison Krauss Brooke Aldridge Jaelee Roberts Sierra Hull
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alison Brown Gena Britt Kristin Scott Benson Ron Block Tony Trischka
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Barry Bales Mike Bub Missy Raines Todd Phillips Vickie Vaughn
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes Jason Carter Maddie Denton Michael Cleveland Stuart Duncan
RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Andy Hall Jerry Douglas Justin Moses Matt Leadbetter Rob Ickes
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings Bryan Sutton Cody Kilby Molly Tuttle Trey Hensley
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alan Bibey Jesse Brock Ronnie McCoury Sam Bush Sierra Hull
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” – Alison Brown & Steve Martin Featuring Tim O’Brien Songwriters: Steve Martin, Alison Brown Producer: Alison Brown, Garry West Videographer: Joseph Spence Label: Compass Records
“A Million Memories (A Song for Byron)” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge Featuring Vince Gill Songwriter: Vince Gill Producer: Jenny Gill Videographer: Travis Flynn Label: Billy Blue Records
“Big Wheels” – Authentic Unlimited Songwriter: Jerry Cole Producers: Bryce Free, Kyle Johnson Videographer: Bryce Free Label: Billy Blue Records
“Gallows Pole” – Appalachian Road Show Songwriter: Traditional, arr. Barry Abernathy, Jim VanCleve, Darrell Webb Producer: Steve Kinney Videographer: Steve Kinney Label: Billy Blue Records
“Tennessee Hound Dog” – The Grascals Songwriter: Felice Bryant, Boudleaux Bryant Producer: Ty Gilpin Videographer: Nate Shuppert Label: Mountain Home Music Company
“The Auctioneer” – The Kody Norris Show Songwriters: Leroy Van Dyke, Buddy Black Producer: James Gilley Videographer: Nate Wiles Label: Rebel Records
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Hot Rize The Bluegrass Cardinals Arnold Schultz
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Alan Arthur Knoth Penny Parsons Ron Thomason Sidney Austin, LLP Missy Raines
The 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards will be held September 18, 2025 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tickets and more information here.
Photo Credit: Alison Krauss by Randee St. Nicholas; Billy Strings by Dana Trippe.
Last night, the International Bluegrass Music Association announced the winners of their 35th Annual Bluegrass Music Awards in Raleigh, North Carolina, the final awards show held in Raleigh before IBMA’s move to Chattanooga, Tennessee next year. The star-studded, three-hour awards show was hosted by bassists John Cowan and Missy Raines and featured performances by many nominees and featured special guests and collaborations.
Billy Strings, Sister Sadie, Authentic Unlimited, and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway lead the nominations going into the evening. Authentic Unlimited walked away with the most trophies, with the group as a whole landing three awards – including a tie for Music Video of the Year with Special Consensus. Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway took home the honor for Album of the Year, while Billy Strings’ sole win of the night was for his feature on Tony Trischka’s collaborative Earl Jam track, “Brown’s Ferry Blues.”
Also honored during the event were this year’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductees. Entered into the Hall of Fame – the highest honor awarded by IBMA and its membership – were Jerry Douglas, Katy Daley, and Alan Munde.
Find the full list of winners and recipients of this year’s IBMA Awards below. Congratulations to all of the nominees, bands, artists, labels, and industry stakeholders represented at this year’s awards.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Billy Strings Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway Del McCoury Band Sister Sadie The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR Authentic Unlimited Sister Sadie Blue Highway Del McCoury Band Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR Billy Strings Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper Travelin’ McCourys East Nash Grass Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
SONG OF THE YEAR “Fall in Tennessee” – Authentic Unlimited Songwriters: John Meador/Bob Minner Producer: Authentic Unlimited Label: Billy Blue Records
“Too Lonely, Way Too Long” – Rick Faris with Del McCoury Songwriter: Rick Faris Producer: Stephen Mougin Label: Dark Shadow Recording
“Forever Young” – Daniel Grindstaff with Paul Brewster & Dolly Parton Songwriters: Jim Cregan/Kevin Savigar/Bob Dylan/Rod Stewart Producer: Daniel Grindstaff Label: Bonfire Music Group
“Kentucky Gold” – Dale Ann Bradley with Sam Bush Songwriters: Wayne Carson/Ronnie Reno Producer: Dale Ann Bradley Label: Pinecastle
ALBUM OF THE YEAR City of Gold – Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway Producers: Jerry Douglas/Molly Tuttle Label: Nonesuch
Last Chance to Win – East Nash Grass Producer: East Nash Grass Label: Mountain Fever
Jubilation – Appalachian Road Show Producer: Appalachian Road Show Label: Billy Blue Records
No Fear – Sister Sadie Producer: Sister Sadie Label: Mountain Home
So Much for Forever – Authentic Unlimited Producer: Authentic Unlimited Label: Billy Blue Records
GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR “When I Get There” – Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out Songwriter: Michael Feagan Producer: Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out Label: Independent
“Thank You Lord for Grace” – Authentic Unlimited Songwriter: Jerry Cole Producer: Authentic Unlimited Label: Billy Blue Records
“Just Beyond” – Barry Abernathy with John Meador, Tim Raybon, Bradley Walker Songwriters: Rick Lang/Mike Richards/Windi Robinson Producer: Jerry Salley Label: Billy Blue Records
“God Already Has” – Dale Ann Bradley Songwriter: Mark “Brink” Brinkman/David Stewart Producer: Dale Ann Bradley Label: Pinecastle
“Memories of Home” – Authentic Unlimited Songwriter: Jerry Cole Producer: Authentic Unlimited Label: Billy Blue Records
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR “Rhapsody in Blue(grass)” – Béla Fleck Songwriter: George Gershwin arr. Ferde Grofé/Béla Fleck Producer: Béla Fleck Label: Béla Fleck Productions/Thirty Tigers
“Knee Deep in Bluegrass” – Ashby Frank Songwriter: Terry Baucom Producer: Ashby Frank Label: Mountain Home
“Panhandle Country” – Missy Raines & Allegheny Songwriter: Bill Monroe Producer: Alison Brown Label: Compass Records
“Lloyd’s of Lubbock” – Alan Munde Songwriter: Alan Munde Producer: Billy Bright Label: Patuxent
“Behind the 8 Ball” – Andy Leftwich Songwriter: Andy Leftwich Producer: Andy Leftwich Label: Mountain Home
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR East Nash Grass Bronwyn Keith-Hynes AJ Lee & Blue Summit Wyatt Ellis The Kody Norris Show
COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR “Brown’s Ferry Blues” – Tony Trischka featuring Billy Strings Songwriters: Alton Delmore/Rabon Delmore Producer: Béla Fleck Label: Down the Road
“Fall in Tennessee” – Authentic Unlimited with Jerry Douglas Songwriters: John Meador/Bob Minner Producer: Authentic Unlimited Label: Billy Blue Records
“Forever Young” – Daniel Grindstaff with Paul Brewster, Dolly Parton Songwriters: Jim Cregan/Kevin Savigar/Bob Dylan/Rod Stewart Producer: Daniel Grindstaff Label: Bonfire Music Group
“Bluegrass Radio” – Alison Brown and Steve Martin Songwriters: Steve Martin/Alison Brown Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West Label: Compass Records
“Too Old to Die Young” – Bobby Osborne and CJ Lewandowski Songwriters: Scott Dooley/John Hadley/Kevin Welch Producer: CJ Lewandowski Label: Turnberry Records
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Dan Tyminski Greg Blake Del McCoury Danny Paisley Russell Moore
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Molly Tuttle Jaelee Roberts Dale Ann Bradley AJ Lee Rhonda Vincent
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kristin Scott Benson Gena Britt Alison Brown Béla Fleck Rob McCoury
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Missy Raines Mike Bub Vickie Vaughn Todd Phillips Mark Schatz
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jason Carter Bronwyn Keith-Hynes Michael Cleveland Stuart Duncan Deanie Richardson
RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR Justin Moses Rob Ickes Jerry Douglas Andy Hall Gaven Largent
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR Billy Strings Molly Tuttle Trey Hensley Bryan Sutton Cody Kilby
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR Sierra Hull Sam Bush Ronnie McCoury Jesse Brock Alan Bibey
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR “Willow” – Sister Sadie Label: Mountain Home
“Fall in Tennessee” – Authentic Unlimited Label: Billy Blue Records (TIE)
“The City of New Orleans” – Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Label: Upper Management Music
“I Call Her Sunshine” – The Kody Norris Show Label: Rebel Records
“Alberta Bound” – Special Consensus with Ray Legere, John Reischman, Patrick Sauber, Trisha Gagnon, Pharis & Jason Romero, and Claire Lynch Label: Compass Records (TIE)
BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Alan Munde Jerry Douglas Katy Daley
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS Cindy Baucom Laurie Lewis Richard Hurst ArtistWorks Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival
Photo Credit: Authentic Unlimited with special guest Jerry Douglas perform at the IBMA Awards show. Shot by Dan Schram.
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The headline takeaways from this year’s CMA Awards nominations may be the inclusion (and exclusion) of pop superstars, with understandable interest in what that says about today’s country format. But the 2024 field features plenty of roots and bluegrass influence, too. Regular BGS and Good Country readers might even be surprised at the confluence of the modern mainstream and its traditional tributaries.
We want to highlight that dynamic as well. Country has always been a big tent, but is it now becoming more receptive to its roots?
Let’s start with the superstars. These days, many can claim a rootsy kind of rebelliousness, and chief among those is Chris Stapleton. With his long history – in bluegrass, in Southern rock, in classic country songwriting, and with a train load of CMA trophies – Stapleton vies once again for what would be his first Entertainer of the Year award – after a record-setting eight nominations. Yet he still sings with the fiery Appalachian soul he debuted at the front of The SteelDrivers.
Others earning top billing this year include Zach Bryan and Lainey Wilson – and both have a reputation for gritty, creative realism. Some of the hottest new names country has to offer, Bryan has been selling out stadiums with his confessional alt-country and Wilson’s bluesy Louisiana swagger earned her last year’s Entertainer of the Year title. Those are not the only established artists holding true to the cause, though.
Kacey Musgraves continues to show salt-of-the-earth songcraft is not mutually exclusive to shimmering pop decadence. And while Ashley McBryde has perfected the art of making arenas feel like a massive, county-line roadhouse, Cody Johnson proves the appetite for hardcore Texas twang did not die with King George’s (semi) abdication. All have become perennial fixtures in the format’s upper echelons.
Likewise, this year’s nominees offer excitement for the future, awash with fresh talent. Shaboozey turned heads with the Number One ear worm, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” but dig beyond the single and his catalog marks an elusive missing link between the hard-times inspirations of both hip-hop and country. Artists like Zach Top – who also came up through bluegrass – accept no substitute for twangy telecasters and shuffling, two-step beats. And while The War and Treaty continue their mission to bring soul and gospel back into the heart of country, The Red Clay Strays find a home for their blend of heady roots rock and commanding, fire-and-brimstone vocals.
Even the behind-the-scenes nominees highlight this rootsy resurgence, with the Musician of the Year category dominated by keepers of the instrumental flame. Fiddle phenom Jenee Fleenor goes head to head with steel-guitar legend Paul Franklin and the multi-talented guitarist/Americana artist Charlie Worsham – while the other two, guitarists Tom Bukovac and Rob McNelley, are certainly no slouches when it comes to six-string scholarship.
In fact, the commonalities between this year’s CMA Awards nominees and the artists covered by BGS and GC are so striking, we wonder what you think. Take a look at the full list of nominees below, and let us know.
THE 58TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS – FINAL NOMINEES (by ballot category order):
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs Jelly Roll Chris Stapleton Morgan Wallen Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry Mix Engineer: Raul Lopez
“Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson Producer: Trent Willmon Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen) Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
“Watermelon Moonshine” – Lainey Wilson Producer: Jay Joyce Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“White Horse” – Chris Stapleton Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
ALBUM OF THE YEAR Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian Mix Engineers: Shawn Everett, Konrad Snyder
Fathers & Sons – Luke Combs Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
Higher – Chris Stapleton Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
Leather – Cody Johnson Producer: Trent Willmon Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
Whitsitt Chapel – Jelly Roll Producers: Andrew Baylis, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, David Garcia, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, Austin Nivarel, David Ray Stevens Mix Engineers: Jeff Braun, Jim Cooley
SONG OF THE YEAR Award goes to Songwriter(s)
“Burn It Down” Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose
“Dirt Cheap” Songwriter: Josh Phillips
“I Had Some Help” Songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters
“The Painter” Songwriters: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
“White Horse” Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini Ashley McBryde Megan Moroney Kacey Musgraves Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs Jelly Roll Cody Johnson Chris Stapleton Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady A Little Big Town Old Dominion The Red Clay Strays Zac Brown Band
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn Brothers Osborne Dan + Shay Maddie & Tae The War And Treaty
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
“Man Made A Bar” – Morgan Wallen (feat. Eric Church) Producer: Joey Moi
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green) Producer: Will Bundy
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Tom Bukovac – Guitar Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar Rob McNelley – Guitar Charlie Worsham – Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
“Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson Director: Dustin Haney
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen) Director: Chris Villa
“I’m Not Pretty” – Megan Moroney Directors: Jeff Johnson, Megan Moroney
“The Painter” – Cody Johnson Director: Dustin Haney
“Wildflowers and Wild Horses” – Lainey Wilson Director: Patrick Tracy
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Megan Moroney Shaboozey Nate Smith Mitchell Tenpenny Zach Top Bailey Zimmerman
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