Are y’all ready for a new kind of country viral moment at the Grammys? The Recording Academy is getting ready for its 68th Annual Grammy Awards with an exciting and long-awaited new category: Best Traditional Country Album.
This isn’t just a title change; it’s a full-blown celebration of the genre’s roots! The change comes alongside the renaming of the original Best Country Album category, which is now Best Contemporary Country Album. It’s a major move in a year that’s already seen country music stirring up major cultural buzz.
“This action by our members now opens the door for us to celebrate more artists and a wider range of music,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, in an official statement. “By adding this new category and renaming the Country Album Category, we’re creating more space for all the diverse artists who are shaping the future of country music.”
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2026. It will also be available to stream on CBS and Paramount+. Nominations are expected to be announced on November 7, 2025, so get ready for some boot-stomping competition.
What Counts as “Traditional” Country for the Grammy Awards?
Think twang, think fiddle, think outlaw spirit and cowboy storytelling.
According to the Recording Academy’s new rules, Best Traditional Country Album will honor full-length projects that “adhere to the more traditional sound structures of the country genre.” There is quite a heavy emphasis on “acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano, electric guitar, and live drums.”
And this isn’t just about retro vibes. It also includes sub-genres like Western, Western Swing, and Outlaw Country. The Academy says the category is meant to highlight albums that celebrate the roots and rich history of country music. They are projects that might have been boxed into Americana or American Roots categories in the past.
Artists like Charley Crockett, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, Zach Bryan, Vincent Neil Emerson, and Cody Junks have all walked the Grammy carpet under broader roots categories.
As Mason Jr. puts it, “Traditional country has a timeless, distinct sound that’s inspired generations of musicians throughout the years. It’s an important part of the country music story and deserves to be celebrated and recognized with intention.”
Who Qualifies & How It All Happens
Any artist or album that fits the traditional mold can be considered. But first, there’s a detailed and rigorous process. The creation of any new Grammy category goes through a meticulous pipeline. First, there has to be a proposal to the Awards & Nominations Committee, then a vote by the Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.
Once the green light is given, the change is included in the official Grammy Rulebook. By the looks of it, the 2026 rulebook has undergone several tweaks across fields, ranging from classical and album packaging to eligibility for Best New Artist.
And here’s something new for artists who love the old-school senses. Albums sold directly to fans via a website now count toward packaging a Grammy Award eligibility! Yes, this makes it easier for indie musicians with strong grassroots followings to be recognized.
Why Now?
Country music isn’t just hot right now; it’s on fire. From stadium shows to TikTok trends, the genre is evolving fast, every single day, and, well, the Grammys are finally catching up.
Mason Jr. noted that “country music has evolved in a major way over the past decade” and that traditional sounds are experiencing “a massive resurgence, growing in popularity and volume.”
With Beyoncé’s genre-bending win in 2025 and the continued crossover success of artists blending old and new, such as Post Malone and Kacey Musgraves. This new category couldn’t come at a better time. It offers not only overdue recognition but also a platform for the musicians who’ve been keeping the roots of the country alive in dusty dancehalls and honky-tonks across the country.
So, mark your calendars and cue up your favorite country and outlaw ballads. Keep your eyes on the Best Traditional Country Album nominees this fall!
The Grammys just got a little more Southern, and we’re ALL here for it.
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Grammys Add Best Traditional Country Album Category for 2026 — Here’s Who Qualifies