The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has unveiled its nominees for the 37th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, setting the stage for a significant celebration of the genre’s brightest stars and most impactful contributors. Esteemed artists like Alison Krauss & Union Station and the powerhouse vocal group Sister Sadie are leading the charge with multiple nominations, highlighting their enduring influence and continued excellence in bluegrass music. The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, Tennessee, capping off a week-long immersion in all things bluegrass.
This year’s nominations reflect a vibrant and diverse bluegrass landscape, with established legends and emerging talents vying for recognition across a wide array of categories. The IBMA’s annual World of Bluegrass event, a comprehensive gathering that includes industry conferences, fan festivals, and the highly anticipated awards ceremonies, will run from Oct. 20-24 in Chattanooga. This week-long festival serves as a crucial nexus for the bluegrass community, fostering collaboration, innovation, and the celebration of the genre’s rich heritage and dynamic future.
Key Figures to Host and Perform at the 37th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards
Adding to the excitement, mandolin virtuosos Sam Bush and Sierra Hull have been announced as the co-hosts and featured performers for the 37th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. Bush, a revered pioneer in progressive bluegrass, and Hull, a prodigious talent who has rapidly ascended in the genre, bring a wealth of experience and artistry to the hosting duties. Their involvement underscores the intergenerational appeal and evolving nature of bluegrass music.
Joining Bush and Hull on the performance roster are a collection of bluegrass heavyweights, including The Del McCoury Band, Sister Sadie, Authentic Unlimited, The Grascals, and Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. These artists represent a cross-section of bluegrass tradition and contemporary innovation, promising a night of compelling musical performances that will honor the genre’s storied past and exciting present.
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame Welcomes Esteemed Inductees
In addition to the performance and awards nominations, the IBMA announced the distinguished individuals and groups who will be inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. This year’s honorees include the legendary multi-instrumentalist Byron Berline, the influential Nashville Bluegrass Band, Barry Poss, co-founder of Sugar Hill Records, and the beloved duo The Lost and Found. Musical tributes are planned to commemorate the significant contributions of each inductee, ensuring their legacies are celebrated and remembered by generations to come.
The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards ceremony will be accessible to a global audience through a livestream, with further details to be announced. This digital reach ensures that fans worldwide can experience the excitement and honor the artists who shape the bluegrass sound.
Expanding the Recognition: IBMA Industry and Momentum Awards
The International Bluegrass Music Association further broadened its scope of recognition by announcing the nominees for the 2026 IBMA Industry Awards and the 2026 IBMA Momentum Awards. These ceremonies, held on preceding days, highlight the diverse ecosystem that supports and propels bluegrass music forward.
The IBMA Industry Awards specifically recognize outstanding achievements in non-performing roles, celebrating the individuals and organizations that work tirelessly behind the scenes to advance bluegrass music, support its artists, and expand its reach. The ceremony for these awards took place on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
The IBMA Momentum Awards focus on emerging talent and professionals in the early stages of their bluegrass careers. These awards aim to identify and nurture the next generation of bluegrass artists and industry leaders. Notably, the Momentum Awards also honor a mentor whose guidance has profoundly impacted and supported upcoming artists and industry professionals, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in the genre’s development. The Momentum Awards ceremony was held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, also at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
World of Bluegrass: A Comprehensive Celebration of Bluegrass Culture
These various award ceremonies are integral components of the larger IBMA World of Bluegrass event, a five-day comprehensive gathering from Oct. 20-24. The week’s agenda is packed with a series of events designed to engage every facet of the bluegrass community. The IBMA Business Conference, running from Oct. 20-22, provides a platform for industry professionals to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Adding to the immersive experience, the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, scheduled for Oct. 20-21, offers intimate performances in various downtown Chattanooga venues, providing fans with unique opportunities to discover new artists and enjoy established acts in a more personal setting. The main event, the 37th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, takes place on Oct. 22 at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium.
Concluding the week, IBMA Bluegrass Live! on Oct. 23-24 transforms the city into a vibrant festival ground, featuring two days of continuous live performances and engaging fan experiences. This grand finale showcases a wide spectrum of bluegrass talent, drawing music lovers from across the nation and beyond. Tickets for all IBMA World of Bluegrass events are available for purchase, with comprehensive details accessible via their official website.
Nomination Highlights and Key Categories
The initial announcement of the 37th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards nominees on July 15 revealed a competitive field across numerous categories. Alison Krauss & Union Station, Sister Sadie, and East Nash Grass emerged as leading contenders, each securing multiple nominations, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year award. They are nominated alongside fellow powerhouse acts Billy Strings and The Del McCoury Band for this top honor.
The awards ceremony, presented by Get It Played, is a cornerstone of the annual World of Bluegrass event. Last year’s recipients included Billy Strings, Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland, Authentic Unlimited, and The Travelin’ McCourys, setting a high bar for this year’s nominees.
Entertainer of the Year nominees represent the pinnacle of bluegrass artistry and performance:
- Billy Strings
- Alison Krauss & Union Station
- Sister Sadie
- East Nash Grass
- The Del McCoury Band
Vocal Group of the Year nominations highlight the exceptional harmony and vocal prowess within the genre:
- Alison Krauss & Union Station
- Authentic Unlimited
- Sister Sadie
- Blue Highway
- Red Camel Collective
In the Instrumental Group of the Year category, the nominees showcase instrumental mastery and ensemble synergy:
- Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
- Billy Strings
- The Travelin’ McCourys
- East Nash Grass
- Appalachian Road Show
The Song of the Year category celebrates lyrical storytelling and musical composition, with notable entries including "Broken Angels" by The Grascals featuring Dolly Parton, and "Can’t Outrun the Blues" by Trey Hensley.
Album of the Year nominees represent some of the most impactful and critically acclaimed releases in recent bluegrass history. Sister Sadie’s "All Will Be Well," East Nash Grass’s "All God’s Children," and Trey Hensley’s "Can’t Outrun the Blues" are among the strong contenders.
Gospel Recording of the Year nominations honor the spiritual heart of bluegrass music, featuring powerful and moving tracks from NewFound Road, Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski, and Blue Highway.
The Instrumental Recording of the Year category recognizes outstanding instrumental performances. Nominees include "Grandfather’s Clock" by Bryan Sutton and Sierra Hull, and "Big Daddy Rabbit" by Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper.
New Artist of the Year nominees spotlight the fresh voices and talents emerging in the bluegrass scene, with artists like Jaelee Roberts and Carson Peters & Iron Mountain vying for this significant recognition.
The Collaborative Recording of the Year category celebrates successful artistic partnerships, including "Broken Angels" by The Grascals and Dolly Parton, and "Gentle on My Mind" by Tony Trischka and Billy Strings.
Individual instrumentalist awards highlight exceptional skill across various instruments. Nominees for Male Vocalist of the Year include Dan Tyminski and Del McCoury, while Female Vocalist of the Year sees formidable competition from Alison Krauss and Sierra Hull.
The instrumental categories for Banjo Player of the Year, Bass Player of the Year, Fiddle Player of the Year, Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year, Guitar Player of the Year, and Mandolin Player of the Year feature a who’s who of bluegrass instrumental virtuosos, including Kristin Scott Benson, Missy Raines, Michael Cleveland, Jerry Douglas, Billy Strings, and Sam Bush, respectively.
The Music Video of the Year category acknowledges the visual artistry accompanying bluegrass music, with nominated videos from The Grascals and Dolly Parton, Bryan Sutton with Billy Strings, and Sister Sadie.
IBMA Industry Awards Nominees: The Backbone of Bluegrass
Beyond the performing artists, the IBMA Industry Awards recognize the crucial individuals and entities that sustain and promote the genre. Nominees for Writer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Photographer of the Year, Broadcaster of the Year, Graphic Designer of the Year, and Sound Engineer of the Year showcase the diverse talents that contribute to bluegrass music’s ecosystem.
The Event of the Year nominees highlight successful festivals and gatherings that bring bluegrass communities together. From the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival to the CBA 50th Anniversary Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, these events are vital to the genre’s continued growth and engagement.
Liner Notes of the Year nominations acknowledge the insightful and informative writing that accompanies musical releases, enriching the listener’s experience.
IBMA Momentum Awards Nominees: Recognizing Future Leaders
The IBMA Momentum Awards provide a vital platform for recognizing emerging artists and industry professionals. The Band of the Year nominees, including The Creekers and ShadowGrass, represent the exciting future of bluegrass ensembles. Industry Involvement nominees showcase individuals making significant early contributions to the business side of bluegrass.
The Instrumentalist of the Year and Vocalist of the Year awards within the Momentum category highlight the promising young talent poised to make a lasting impact. Finally, the Mentor of the Year award underscores the importance of guidance and support in the development of new bluegrass talent, with nominees like Louisa Branscomb and Becky Buller being recognized for their significant contributions.
The full list of nominees across all categories for the 2026 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, Industry Awards, and Momentum Awards signifies a robust and thriving bluegrass music community, poised for another year of innovation, artistry, and celebration.
