IBMA Announces 2026 Bluegrass Music Awards Nominees, Hall of Fame Inductees and Distinguished Achievement Recipients
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) unveiled the nominees for its 2026 Bluegrass Music Awards, the 2026 class of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, and the recipients of the Distinguished Achievement Awards during a live broadcast from SiriusXM’s Nashville studios on July 15, 2026.
The Entertainer of the Year nominees include Billy Strings, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Sister Sadie, East Nash Grass, and The Del McCoury Band. Other categories—Vocal Group, Instrumental Group, Song, Album, and New Artist of the Year—were also announced, though the full lists are available only on the IBMA website.
Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 are the late fiddler Byron Berline, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, the late founder of Sugar Hill Records Barry Poss, and the group The Lost & Found. The Distinguished Achievement Award recipients are Gallagher Guitars, fiddler Matt Glaser, journalist Derek Halsey, The Marshall Family, and Gary Reid.
The 37th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards ceremony will take place on October 22 at Chattanooga’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. The event is presented by Get It Played and is the culmination of the IBMA World of Bluegrass trade show, which runs from October 20 to 24 in Chattanooga.
The IBMA, founded in 1985, is a nonprofit trade organization that promotes bluegrass music and its professionals. It has been the governing body for the annual awards since the first ceremony in 1986. The Hall of Fame, established in 1991, honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to the genre.
The 2026 nominees reflect a mix of established leaders and emerging talent. Billy Strings, who has been a frequent nominee in recent years, continues to be recognized for his influence on contemporary bluegrass. Alison Krauss & Union Station, a veteran group known for blending traditional and modern sounds, also received a nomination. Sister Sadie, a rising act that blends bluegrass with gospel and folk, and East Nash Grass, a band that incorporates Southern rock elements, round out the Entertainer field.
The Del McCoury Band, a mainstay in the bluegrass community, is also in contention, underscoring the IBMA’s tradition of honoring both legacy acts and newer voices.
Hall of Fame inductee Byron Berline, who passed away in 2021, was celebrated for his versatility across fiddling styles and his influence on generations of musicians. The Nashville Bluegrass Band, known for its Grammy‑winning recordings in the 1990s, was honored for its pioneering blend of gospel and bluegrass. Barry Poss, whose Sugar Hill Records label helped launch many bluegrass careers, was recognized posthumously. The Lost & Found, a group that has contributed to the genre’s contemporary scene, received the final inductee spot.
The Distinguished Achievement Award, which highlights non‑performing contributions to bluegrass, honored a range of recipients. Gallagher Guitars, a manufacturer of high‑quality instruments, was recognized for its support of musicians. Matt Glaser, a noted fiddler and educator, received the award for his teaching and performance work. Journalist Derek Halsey was honored for his coverage of bluegrass history. The Marshall Family, a family band with a long touring history, and Gary Reid, a producer and label executive, were also recipients.
The IBMA World of Bluegrass event in Chattanooga will feature concerts, vendor exhibits, and industry panels. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live, allowing fans and industry members to witness the recognition of the genre’s leading figures.
The IBMA has not yet announced the winners. According to the organization’s schedule, the winners will be revealed on October 22 during the awards ceremony.
The announcement of nominees and inductees sets the stage for a week of celebration and recognition in the bluegrass community, highlighting both the genre’s storied past and its evolving future.
