Grammys Introduce New Country Album Categories in 2026
The Recording Academy has overhauled its country music categories ahead of the 2026 Grammys, introducing two new distinctions: Best Contemporary Country Album and Best Traditional Country Album.
As per Rolling Stone, the move splits the former Best Country Album into two lanes, based on sound and instrumentation. Traditional entries will lean on genre hallmarks like acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, and piano — styles grounded in classic rhythm, lyrics and vocal phrasing. The contemporary category, meanwhile, casts a wider net, spotlighting music that nods to country roots while embracing modern form and flair.
The shake-up brings the total number of awards in the Country & American Roots field to 14, double the tally in pop and dance/electronic. Some are already pointing to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter win in 2025 as a flashpoint, after the album took out Best Country Album despite resistance from parts of the genre’s establishment.
Other rule changes include a loosening of eligibility for Best New Artist. Artists previously nominated for Album of the Year, even as featured guests, can now qualify, so long as their contribution didn’t exceed 20% of total play time and they meet other criteria.
Packaging categories are also being streamlined. A single Best Recording Package award will replace the former dual categories for standard and special edition formats. A new Best Album Cover prize will recognise visual design, photography and overall presentation.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be held Sunday, February 1st. Eligible releases must fall between 31st August 2024 and 30th August 2025. Nominations drop Friday, November 7th 2025.
“It’s so important that our rules and guidelines are fair and equitable for musicians of all crafts,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., “and that the Grammy Awards truly reflect and honour the full spectrum of music creators.”