The 2026 Grammy Awards are set to welcome two exciting new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover, per music-news.com. This expansion aims to honor a wider range of musical artistry, reflecting the dynamic shifts within the industry.
The Recording Academy announced today that these fresh accolades will debut at the prestigious ceremony, returning to Los Angeles on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Nominations for all categories are slated for a big reveal on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, emphasized the organization’s commitment to evolving with the times. “The Academy’s top priority is to represent the music people that we serve each year,” Mason jr. stated. “That entails listening carefully to our members to make sure our rules and guidelines reflect today’s music and allow us to accurately recognise as many deserving creators as possible.”
This move comes hot on the heels of the 2025 Grammys, where Kendrick Lamar dominated, bagging five awards including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for his explosive Drake diss track “Not Like Us.” Beyoncé also made history, finally securing the coveted Album of the Year for “Cowboy Carter,” a win she dedicated to country music pioneer Linda Martell.
These new categories promise to add even more excitement and recognition to the already star-studded event, ensuring that the Grammys continue to celebrate the diverse and ever-evolving tapestry of music.
