The 2026 Grammys are about to get a country music shake-up! A new category, 'Best Contemporary Country Album', has the potential to revolutionize the genre's representation at the awards.
But who will be in the running?
Get ready for a diverse lineup, as artists like Jelly Roll, BigXThaPlug, and Kelsea Ballerini could find themselves competing for this prestigious award. This exciting development comes on the heels of a groundbreaking year for country music, marked by Beyoncé's Grammy-winning country album, Cowboy Carter, and the genre's growing openness to crossovers.
And here's where it gets controversial...
The Grammy's decision to split country music into 'Contemporary' and 'Traditional' categories has sparked discussions. Was this move a direct response to Beyoncé and Post Malone's country ventures? Spotify's Senior Editor for Country, Claire Heinichen, believes Beyoncé's win served as a wake-up call, highlighting the genre's need for more recognition.
Our Predictions:
Jelly Roll's 'Beautifully Broken' is a strong contender. His unique artist-preacher persona has captivated audiences across generations, making him a familiar and beloved name in the industry.
But wait, there's a twist!
BigXThaPlug's 'I Hope You're Happy' is our pick for who should win. This album embodies the essence of contemporary country, blending various musical elements. Heinichen praises it as a testament to the genre's evolution, proving that country can embrace pop and rap collaborations while staying true to its roots.
Other notable mentions:
Kelsea Ballerini's 'Patterns' continues her tradition of genre-blending, creating a fun and emotional listening experience. Tyler Childers' 'Snipe Hunter' showcases his songwriting prowess, while Riley Green's 'Don't Mind If I Do' and Tucker Wetmore's 'What Not To' could be surprise contenders, despite past Recording Academy snubs.
As the Grammys approach, the 'Best Contemporary Country Album' category promises to be a hotly debated topic. What do you think of this new distinction? Are you excited about the potential nominees? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
