The Recording Academy is making significant changes for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026, introducing a new category that promises to reshape how country music is recognized and celebrated. For the first time, traditional country music will have its own dedicated Grammy category, the Best Traditional Country Album, alongside the renamed Best Contemporary Country Album, formerly known as Best Country Album.
This move marks a historic moment for traditional country artists and fans alike, who have long advocated for separate recognition distinct from the contemporary, often more commercial, country sound. According to the Recording Academy, this new category aims to honor albums that adhere to the classic sound structures of country music, including specific rhythm and singing styles, lyrical content, and traditional instrumentation such as acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano, electric guitar, and live drums. Sub-genres like Western, Western Swing, and Outlaw country are also encompassed within this category.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, explained that the proposal for this new category had been submitted multiple times before finally being approved this year. He told Billboard, “The community of people that are making country music in all different subgenres came to us with a proposal and said we would like to have more variety in how our music is honored. They said, we think we need more space for our music to be celebrated and honored.”
By creating a separate category for traditional country, the Grammys align themselves with other genres that distinguish between traditional and contemporary styles, such as R&B, pop, and blues. Mason added, “It makes country parallel with what’s happening in other genres, but it is also creating space for where this genre is going.”
The timing of this new category is notable, as traditional country music is experiencing a resurgence, propelled by young artists like Zach Top and The Castellows. Meanwhile, the contemporary country scene continues to blend with pop and other genres, sometimes overshadowing the purer country sound. This split allows for a more equitable spotlight on both sides of the genre spectrum.
Artists who have historically been recognized in Americana and American Roots categories, such as Sierra Ferrell, Charley Crockett, Colter Wall, and Noeline Hofmann, are expected to benefit from this new Grammy category. Sierra Ferrell notably swept the American Roots categories in 2025, winning four Grammys and gaining a significant career boost. Her album Trail of Flowers won Best Americana Album that year, highlighting how Americana has often served as a catch-all for traditional country artists in the absence of a dedicated category.
The Recording Academy’s definitions clarify the distinction between the two country categories. The Best Contemporary Country Album is described as recognizing country music that “remains reminiscent and relevant to the legacy of country music’s culture, while also engaging in more contemporary music forms.” This category embraces a broad spectrum of contemporary country styles and cultures, reflecting the evolving sound and presentation of the genre.
Meanwhile, the Best Traditional Country Album category is more narrowly focused on the genre’s roots, emphasizing traditional instrumentation and stylistic elements. This includes live drums, acoustic instruments, and the storytelling lyrical content that has defined country music for decades.
Beyond the country music categories, the Recording Academy has also made other notable changes for the 2026 Grammys. A new standalone category for Best Album Cover has been introduced, separating it from the Best Recording Package category, which will now combine the previous Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package awards. This change reflects the evolving nature of album art in the digital age, where visual presentation extends beyond just the cover.
The Best New Artist category has also been expanded to allow artists who have previously been featured on Album of the Year nominees—provided their contribution accounts for less than 20% of the album’s playing time—to be eligible. This adjustment opens the door for more emerging artists to gain recognition even if they have had prior exposure through collaborations.
The eligibility period for all categories, including the new traditional country album award, runs from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025. The entry submission window opens on July 16, 2025, and closes on August 29, 2025. Artists and their representatives are encouraged to submit eligible works during this period to ensure consideration.
These Grammy changes come amid a period of reflection and evolution within the music industry. The 2025 Grammy Awards saw Beyoncé win Album of the Year and Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter, a moment that highlighted the genre’s diverse roots and sparked conversations about representation and genre boundaries. The Recording Academy’s CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., emphasized the importance of fairness and equity in recognizing musicians of all crafts and expertise, stating, “It’s so important that our rules and guidelines are fair and equitable for musicians of all crafts and varying expertise, and that the Grammy Awards truly reflect and honor the full spectrum of music creators.”
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with nominations to be announced on November 7, 2025. Fans and artists alike are eagerly awaiting to see how the new categories will shape the awards and spotlight the rich diversity within country music and beyond.
For traditional country artists and their supporters, the new Best Traditional Country Album category represents more than just an award—it’s a recognition of a cultural legacy and a platform to ensure that the stories, sounds, and spirit of traditional country music continue to thrive and receive the acknowledgment they deserve on one of the world’s biggest music stages.
