MusicRow Announces 38th Annual Awards Nominees; Voting Opens Aug. 5
MusicRow announced the nominees for its 38th Annual Awards, presented by City National Bank, on August 4, 2026. The nominations cover 16 subscriber‑voted categories that recognize producers, studios, labels, talent agencies, publishers, songwriters, and performers who have worked on projects released between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Winners will be revealed online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, September 2.
MusicRow is Nashville’s longest‑running music industry trade publication. The awards have been held annually since 1989 and honor songwriters, artists, producers and other behind‑the‑scenes talent. The 38th edition continues that tradition and includes a Top 10 Album All‑Star Musician Award that honors the most in‑demand studio players who performed on albums that reached the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.
Nominees are selected by a committee that reviews all eligible releases. For the Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist‑Writer categories, outside nominations are also considered. Male and Female Songwriter nominees are drawn from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart, which aggregates airplay, digital downloads, streams and sales data. The other categories are based on the committee’s assessment of the impact and quality of the work during the eligibility window.
MusicRow subscribers will receive their ballots by email on Wednesday, August 5. The ballot voting period runs through Friday, August 14 at 5 p.m. Central Time. Only subscribers are eligible to vote; new subscribers can sign up through the MusicRow website. Winners will be announced online on September 2, the same day the awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Nashville.
The 16 categories include Producer of the Year, Studio of the Year, Label Group of the Year, Talent Agency of the Year, Publishing Company of the Year, Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist‑Writer of the Year, Male Songwriter of the Year, Female Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Discovery Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Group/Duo Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. The nominees for each category are listed in a digital “Nominator” newsletter that MusicRow released on August 4.
MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart is published weekly and uses an algorithm that incorporates airplay, digital download sales and streaming activity. The chart is a key source for the Male and Female Songwriter categories, ensuring that nominees reflect measurable commercial performance. The awards also serve to highlight the collaborative nature of Nashville’s music ecosystem, from producers and studios to publishers and talent agencies.
The announcement comes as Nashville continues to grow as a global music hub. The city’s population is projected to reach 721,000 by 2025, and its music industry remains a major contributor to the local economy. MusicRow’s awards, presented by City National Bank, underscore the city’s status as a center for country music and the broader music business.
For more information on the nominees and voting process, subscribers can view the digital newsletter or visit MusicRow’s website. The awards will conclude with the announcement of winners on September 2, after which the ceremony will be streamed live on MusicRow’s online platforms. The ceremony will feature performances by the nominees.
