Get ready for a country music revolution! The 2026 Grammy Awards are about to shake things up with a brand-new ‘Contemporary’ category, and it’s already sparking debates. Could this change blow the doors wide open for artists who don’t fit the traditional Nashville mold? But here’s where it gets controversial: just a year after Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter stormed the charts and won big, the Grammys are officially splitting country albums into Contemporary and Traditional categories. Coincidence? Maybe. But it’s hard to ignore the timing—especially as Nashville seems to be embracing crossovers like never before.
Leading up to the November 7 nominations, Rolling Stone is diving into 10 Grammy categories, predicting nominees and winners while stirring the pot with bold takes. For the first time, artists as diverse as Jelly Roll, BigXThaPlug, and Kelsea Ballerini could all compete in the Best Contemporary Country Album race. And this is the part most people miss: this shift isn’t just about expanding the genre—it’s about redefining what country music can be.
‘The table just keeps getting bigger,’ says Claire Heinichen, Senior Editor for Country at Spotify. ‘Beyoncé and Post Malone didn’t just dip their toes in—they showed how massive this genre could be.’ But is this evolution or dilution? Some purists argue that country’s roots are being overshadowed by pop and rap influences. What do you think? Let’s debate it in the comments.
Contemporary Country Album — Our Predictions
- BigXThaPlug – I Hope You’re Happy
- Kelsea Ballerini – Patterns
- Tyler Childers – Snipe Hunter
- Riley Green – Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)
- Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken
Who Will Win?
Jelly Roll might take the crown with Beautifully Broken. His preacher-meets-artist persona has bridged gaps between genres, and Heinichen notes, ‘He connects with people across generations. The Grammy voters already know his name.’ But is he the safest choice, or the most deserving?
Who Should Win?
BigXThaPlug’s I Hope You’re Happy is a game-changer. ‘He’s not just blending country with pop—he’s bringing rap into the mix,’ Heinichen explains. ‘This album is proof that country can evolve without losing its soul.’ Bold? Absolutely. But is the industry ready to crown a rap-infused album as the best in contemporary country? That’s the million-dollar question.
Forecasting the Field
While the Grammys insist the new categories aren’t a direct response to Beyoncé’s win, Heinichen sees it differently: ‘Her victory was a wake-up call that the genre needed more space.’ Artists like Kelsea Ballerini (Patterns) and Tyler Childers (Snipe Hunter) are pushing boundaries too. Ballerini’s pop-country fusion is ‘fun, shiny, and emotional,’ while Childers’ gritty songwriting brings fans back to his roots. And don’t sleep on Riley Green or Tucker Wetmore—their albums could be wildcards in this unpredictable race.
So, here’s the big question: Is country music better off with these new categories, or are we losing something in the process? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep this conversation going!
