Grammys Split Country Album Category for 2026

The Recording Academy has announced that the 2026 Grammy Awards will split the Best Country Album category into Best Traditional Country Album, honoring classic country sounds and instrumentation, and Best Contemporary Country Album, recognizing modern and cross-genre influences. This change follows Beyoncé's 2025 win for Best Country Album with 'Cowboy Carter,' which sparked debate about genre boundaries. The Academy has also introduced a Best Album Cover award and expanded eligibility for Best New Artist. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stated that these updates respond to requests from country artists and reflect similar changes in other genres. The changes have drawn mixed reactions, with some fans seeing them as a response to backlash over Beyoncé's win and others viewing them as a move toward greater inclusivity. The 68th Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 1, 2026, with nominations announced on November 7, 2025.