Recording Academy revives classic sounds and album art honors in major awards shake-up
The Grammy Awards are returning to country music’s roots with a brand new category for 2026. The Recording Academy announced today the creation of “Best Traditional Country Album,” specifically designed to honor works preserving the genre’s authentic sound – think twangy acoustic guitars, heartfelt storytelling, and old-school production that would make legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton proud.
This strategic move comes as the Academy seeks to balance country music’s evolving identity, creating space for both boundary-pushing modern artists and those keeping traditional sounds alive. “It’s about honoring where country music came from while still celebrating where it’s going,” a source close to the decision tells us.
In a double dose of nostalgia, the Grammys are also bringing back the fan-favorite “Best Album Cover” category after a years-long absence. Together, these changes signal the Academy’s commitment to recognizing music as both an auditory and visual art form.
The additions come after extensive consultation with the music community, addressing long-standing calls to better represent country’s traditionalists. As one Nashville insider put it: “Finally, the artists keeping country’s heart beating won’t have to compete with those turning it pop.”
With these changes, the 2026 Grammys promise to be a celebration of music’s past, present and future – where vinyl-worthy album art and honky-tonk harmonies get their rightful moment in the spotlight.
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