Country Music Gets a Major Grammy Overhaul. The Recording Academy announced major changes to its country music categories on June 12, 2025, ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards set for February 1, 2026.

Why the Change?

The Academy plans this split to align country music with how other genres recognize tradition versus modern evolution. In R&B, pop, and blues, separate “traditional” and “contemporary” categories already exist.

Additionally, the proposal came from Academy members and reflects the growing diversity of country subgenres such as Western swing, outlaw, folk, and roots.

New Category Structure

The Best Contemporary Country Album category will carry on from the former “Best Country Album,” focusing on modern country styles, production, and lyrical themes.

In addition, the Best Traditional Country Album becomes a distinct category. It will award albums with classic instrumentation like acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano, electric guitar, and live drums. The Recording Academy emphasizes it will honor subgenres like Western, Western Swing, and Outlaw country.

Reaction & Context

Many observers link this decision to Beyoncé’s win for “Cowboy Carter” at the 2025 Grammys, marking her as the first Black artist to receive what was formerly Best Country Album. Social media voices criticized the Grammys for “moving the goalposts” after her victory:

“Best Traditional Country Album. How subtle,” quipped one critic

However, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. defended the change, stating it aligns with proposals members submitted over time. He said country needed this evolution “to make it parallel with what’s happening in other genres” and “create space for where this genre is going.”

What This Means for Artists

• Traditional-Inspired Artists (e.g., Sierra Ferrell, Colter Wall, Charley Crockett) will debut in the new Traditional category.

• Contemporary Country Acts (featuring pop or modern production) will compete in Contemporary.

• Grammy voters will now distinguish entries based on sound and instrumentation, allowing deeper genre recognition.

Broader Grammy Overhaul

This change also comes alongside other key adjustments reflecting industry shifts:

• Best Country Album officially becomes Best Contemporary Country Album.

• Best Album Cover debuts, while two packaging categories merge into Best Recording Package

• Best New Artist rules adjust: artists who featured on a prior Album of the Year nominee now qualify if their contribution stayed below 20%.

Final Thoughts

With clear distinctions, the Grammys give a platform for both roots-based and forward-facing country music. In doing so, they acknowledge a growing, rich spectrum of artists and musical styles. These changes mirror broader efforts under CEO Mason to modernize the Grammys, diversify its voices, and ensure fairness across genres