The Recording Academy has announced the addition of a new category ahead of the 68th GRAMMY Awards, set for 2026: Best Traditional Country Album.
This will be the only new category introduced for the upcoming ceremony and reflects the Academy’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape of the music industry while preserving its rich heritage.
The new category is designed to specifically honor albums that embody the foundational sounds of country music, rooted in acoustic instrumentation, lyrical storytelling, and classic production techniques.
By doing so, the Academy acknowledges the distinction between modern, genre-blending country projects and those that remain true to traditional forms.
With this change, the GRAMMY’s continue to demonstrate their commitment to honoring the full spectrum of artistic expression, ensuring that both tradition and innovation are represented on music’s biggest stage.
The Recording Academy have also confirmed that the ‘Best Album Cover’ category will also be revived for 2026 award ceremony.
