The 2026 Grammy Awards are tuning up for change. Set to take place February 1 at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, the prestigious ceremony will introduce two new categories: Best Album Cover and Best Traditional Country Album.
While the recognition for album artwork isn’t entirely new—Frank Sinatra won a similar honor in 1959—it’s the first time in decades that visual artistry is getting dedicated attention. The existing “Boxed or Special Edition Package” award will now merge with “Recording Package,” giving creative teams behind album design, photography, and materials their due spotlight.
Meanwhile, the Academy is doubling down on country music’s diversity by renaming its existing “Country Album” category to “Contemporary Country Album” and creating a new space for the genre’s roots with “Traditional Country Album.” The shift follows Beyoncé’s trailblazing win for Cowboy Carter and the anticipated country debut from Lana Del Rey.
With nominations dropping November 7, and evolving rules for Best New Artist eligibility, the Grammys are striking a chord between honoring legacy and embracing the future of music.
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