2026 Grammys Introduce Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover Categories
The Recording Academy has announced key updates for the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1, 2026. This prestigious event will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live globally.
New Categories for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards
This year’s Grammy ceremony introduces significant changes, including the addition of two new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover. These changes aim to enhance recognition of diverse music styles and artistic contributions.
Details of the New Awards
- Best Traditional Country Album: This category will honor traditional country music separately from contemporary sounds.
- Best Album Cover: A new standalone category, this award acknowledges the artistry involved in album artwork.
Additional Rule Changes
The Recording Academy has made several adjustments to its rulebook to reflect the evolving music landscape. Here are some notable updates:
- The Best Country Album category has been renamed to Best Contemporary Country Album.
- The Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package awards have been merged into one category, now called Best Recording Package.
- Composers and lyricists will now be recognized in the Classical field, alongside artists, producers, and engineers.
- Eligibility for Best New Artist has expanded, allowing artists featured on Album of the Year-nominated projects to qualify, even if their contribution was minimal.
Grammy Timeline for 2026
The eligibility period for the 2026 Grammy Awards spans from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025. Key dates include:
- Media Registration: Opened in July 2025.
- Voting Rounds: Scheduled for October and December 2025.
- Nominations Announcement: Set for November 7, 2025.
- Awards Ceremony: Winners will be announced live on February 1, 2026.
Commitment to Inclusion
The changes reflect the Academy’s commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of diverse musical expressions. The 2026 Grammys are expected to build upon last year’s achievements in celebrating LGBTQ+ artists and a wide range of talents.
As anticipation builds for Music’s Biggest Night, the Recording Academy continues to adapt and evolve, ensuring a meaningful celebration of music.
