Margo Price, Brandi Carlile, I’m With Her, S.G. Goodman Score Multiple Nominations for Americana Honors & Awards

The Americana Music Association has revealed its final list of nominees for the 2026 Honors & Awards, with a select group of artists leading the pack. Brandi Carlile, Margo Price, the supergroup I'm With Her, S.G. Goodman, Mon Rovia, and Ken Pomeroy have each earned two nominations across the ceremony's five competitive categories. This tight, deliberately limited field reflects the organization's preference for a streamlined format, setting it apart from the sprawling category lists that have become common at other major music industry events.

In the race for Solo Artist of the Year, Brandi Carlile and Margo Price are up against Texas troubadour Charley Crockett, bluegrass virtuoso Molly Tuttle, and emerging folk singer Jesse Welles. Crockett, a frequent presence on the Americana circuit known for his blend of country, blues, and Cajun influences, is the only returning nominee from the 2025 edition, a year that saw Sierra Ferrell take home the trophy. The Duo/Group of the Year category presents an equally competitive lineup: I'm With Her—the trio of Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O'Donovan, and Sara Watkins—will compete against Flatland Cavalry, Mumford & Sons, Turnpike Troubadours, and the celebrated duo Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, who won the award last year. "The Americana Awards have always prized quality over quantity," observed music journalist and historian Amanda Petrusich in a recent interview. "By limiting categories, they force voters to make tough choices, which often leads to more meaningful recognition and a clearer signal of what truly resonates within the community."

For Album of the Year, the nominees include Price's "Hard Headed Woman," a deeply personal exploration of resilience and motherhood; Goodman's "Planting by the Signs," which draws on her Kentucky roots and agricultural traditions; Pomeroy's "Cruel Joke," a critically acclaimed set blending folk and indie rock; Tyler Childers' "Snipe Hunter," a return to his raw, Appalachian storytelling; and Kathleen Edwards' "Billionaire," her first album in over a decade. The Song of the Year category features Carlile's "Returning to Myself," a reflection on self-discovery; Goodman's "Snapping Turtle," a biting commentary on personal boundaries; I'm With Her's "Wild and Clear and Blue," a harmony-rich ode to clarity; Mon Rovia's "Heavy Foot," a genre-blending track about urgency; and Lucinda Williams' "The World Gone Wrong," a stark, blues-tinged meditation on modern disillusionment. (Last year, I'm With Her won this category for "Ancient Light.") The Emerging Act of the Year category rounds out the nominations, pitting Pomeroy and Mon Rovia against Boy Golden, a Canadian alt-country artist; the Crowe Boys, a sibling duo from Alabama; and Kashus Culpepper, a rising country singer-songwriter. The Ryman Auditorium, a historic Nashville venue known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," will host the 25th annual ceremony on September 16, serving as the centerpiece of AmericanaFest, a five-day conference and festival running from September 15-19.

A defining tradition of the Americana Awards is that every nominee—even those with just a single nod—is typically invited to perform during the lengthy awards program at the Ryman. This practice fosters an inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that a wide array of artists showcase their work to a dedicated audience. The "honors" portion of the evening, which recognizes lifetime achievement among veteran performers, will see its honorees announced at a later date. Winners across all categories will be revealed during the September ceremony, with the event's slim five-category structure making any potential sweep a rare and remarkable feat. As the Americana community gathers in Nashville, the focus remains on celebrating the genre's roots, its evolving sound, and the artists who continue to shape its future.