Grammys Redraw Country Music Landscape

The Recording Academy has divided the prestigious Grammy Award for best country album into two distinct categories: traditional country album and contemporary country album. This significant change, announced in June 2025, occurred shortly after Beyoncé made history at the 2025 Grammys by winning the album of the year and becoming the first Black woman to win best country album for "Cowboy Carter."

Experts suggest the split aims to open creative doors and foster greater diversity, potentially benefiting artists of color whose contributions to country music have historically been overlooked. While some view the timing as reactionary to Beyoncé's win, others believe it reflects the genre's expansive evolution and audience. The traditional category emphasizes classic country sounds and instrumentation, while the contemporary category embraces broader stylistic intentions and modern country culture.

For the 2026 Grammy Awards, nominees have been announced for both new categories. This inaugural set of nominations continues the conversation around genre definitions, with experts questioning how artists will be classified and whether this division will truly lead to more equitable recognition. The 68th Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.