Grammys 2026 Overhaul: New Country Categories and Album Art Award Announced

The Recording Academy has unveiled significant changes for the 2026 Grammy Awards. These updates include a new category for traditional country music and a fresh award for album cover art. The nominations will be announced on November 7, 2025.

This restructuring aims to better reflect the evolving music landscape. It acknowledges the distinct paths within country music and the cultural importance of visual art in the digital age.

Country Music Gets a Long-Awaited Split

The genre of country music will now be recognized in two separate album categories. The new “Best Traditional Country Album” will exist alongside the renamed “Best Contemporary Country Album.” This formal division addresses a longstanding industry conversation.

According to a statement from the Recording Academy, the goal is to celebrate a wider range of artists. It creates more space for diverse sounds within the country genre. This move is seen as a direct response to the genre’s expanding sonic boundaries.

Artists rooted in classic instrumentation and storytelling now have a dedicated competitive field. Meanwhile, those blending country with pop and other modern influences will compete in their own space. This change is expected to highlight a greater variety of talent.

Album Art Receives Its Own Spotlight

In a nod to visual artistry, a new “Best Album Cover” category has been introduced. The Recording Academy emphasized the enduring power of cover art. They noted its significant role in shaping an album’s identity, even in streaming-dominated consumption.

This award recognizes the photographers, illustrators, and designers behind iconic imagery. It acknowledges that an album’s visual component is an integral part of the artistic statement. This move celebrates the intersection of music and visual art.

The decision underscores how a compelling cover can become culturally synonymous with the music it represents. It gives a dedicated platform to an art form that often goes unheralded in major award shows.

What These Changes Mean for the Industry

These category updates signal a modernizing shift for the prestigious awards. They demonstrate an effort to stay relevant with both artistic and audience trends. The changes are likely to influence how labels and artists approach future projects.

For country music, the split could lead to increased visibility for niche and heritage sounds. It may also encourage more stylistic experimentation. The album cover award elevates the entire creative team behind a release.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026. The ceremony will be broadcast live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The upcoming show is poised to be one of the most creatively inclusive in recent memory.

The Grammys 2026 category changes mark a pivotal step towards a more nuanced and representative celebration of music. This strategic overhaul ensures the awards continue to honor artistic excellence across its many modern forms.

Thought you’d like to know

What are the new Grammy categories for 2026?

The Recording Academy added “Best Traditional Country Album” and “Best Album Cover.” The existing “Best Country Album” was renamed “Best Contemporary Country Album.”

Why did the Grammys split the country category?

The split recognizes the significant stylistic divergence within the genre. It allows traditional and modern country artists to be celebrated equally without direct competition.

When are the 2026 Grammy nominations announced?

The nominations will be revealed on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET. The announcement will be streamed live on the official Grammys digital platforms.

What qualifies as a “Traditional Country Album”?

While specific criteria are detailed by the Academy, it generally refers to music emphasizing classic instrumentation. This includes prominent use of fiddle, steel guitar, and banjo with roots-oriented production.

Has album art been recognized at the Grammys before?

Yes, package awards have existed in the past, but this new category refocuses attention specifically on the cover art itself. It highlights the primary visual identity of a release.