The Grammys, music awards show legends, are gearing up for a major refresh this year; and yep, the timing’s perfect. The 2026 Grammy Awards nominations drop Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00am ET, and when they do, things are going to look a little different.
Among the 95 total categories, there’s a brand-new addition (Best Traditional Country Album) and a name change for Best Country Album, which will now be called Best Contemporary Country Album. Oh, and get this: there’s even a new artsy category joining the mix… Best Album Cover.
So yeah, it seems like the Recording Academy is finally catching up with the way music and visual art actually work now. Country music’s been splitting down two paths for a while, and album art has become its own kind of cultural touchstone. This year, the Grammys are making room for both.
Country Music Category Gets a Category Change
Let’s be real; country music has been having a bit of an identity crisis lately. Between the traditional sound that fans grew up on and the modern, pop-country fusion that’s dominating playlists, it was only a matter of time before the Grammys stepped in and said, “Okay, let’s separate this out.”
Now, instead of everyone competing under one banner, we’ve got two: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Contemporary Country Album. That’s a big deal for artists who lean more into the classic roots; you know, those acoustic guitars, fiddles, banjos, and storytelling lyrics that make country… well, country.
Getty“This action by our members now opens the door for us to celebrate more artists and a wider range of music… we’re creating more space for all the diverse artists who are shaping the future of country music,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. told Grammy.com.
It’s honestly the kind of move that feels long overdue. Country music has been expanding in every direction, and one category just wasn’t cutting it anymore. This update gives traditional and contemporary artists room to shine without stepping on each other’s cowboy boots.
Wait, Album Covers Are Getting Their Own Grammy?
Now here’s a fun twist: the Grammys are officially giving Best Album Cover its own category (yes, finally). And Mason Jr. explained it perfectly: “In today’s digital world, album covers are arguably more impactful than ever. Chances are, there’s an iconic cover that’s instantly recognizable to you, even if you never owned the physical album. Their cultural significance is undeniable.”
GettyHe’s right. Think about how often you know an album just by its artwork; that image becomes part of the music’s identity. Whether it’s photography, illustration, or full-blown graphic design, album art helps define an era. This new category gives those creatives the recognition they deserve.
When to Tune In
The nominations announcement happens Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET, streaming live on the Grammys website and YouTube.
And the big show? The 68th Grammy Awards will air Sunday, February 1, 2026 live from the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles, CA.
With these changes, it feels like the Grammys are leaning into a more inclusive, creative future… and honestly, we’re here for it. From celebrating traditional country roots to giving album art its own moment, the show’s shaping up to be one of the most interesting (and refreshing) in years.
