The nominees for the 25th annual Americana Honors & Awards have been unveiled, heralding a vibrant celebration of roots music that will culminate on September 16th at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. This prestigious event, a cornerstone of the Americana music calendar, recognizes excellence across a spectrum of genres that define the genre’s rich tapestry, from folk and country to blues and rock. The announcement sets the stage for a highly anticipated evening that will draw artists, industry professionals, and fans to the heart of Music City.
A Competitive Field for Top Honors
The race for Artist of the Year is particularly compelling this year, featuring a robust lineup of established stars and rising talents. Contenders include the formidable Brandi Carlile, a past recipient of this esteemed award in 2019 and 2021, whose consistent artistic evolution and powerful performances have cemented her status as a genre leader. Alongside her is Charley Crockett, a dynamic force in modern Americana, whose prolific output and distinctive sound have garnered significant critical acclaim. Margo Price, a previous winner of the Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2016, brings her acclaimed songwriting and electrifying stage presence to the competition. The category is further strengthened by Molly Tuttle, a virtuosic guitarist and songwriter, and Jesse Welles, whose unique contributions to the genre have earned them a dedicated following.
The inclusion of multiple past Emerging Artist of the Year winners in the Artist of the Year category underscores the cyclical nature of talent within Americana music. Price’s 2016 win and Crockett’s 2021 accolade highlight the platform the Americana Honors & Awards provides for nurturing and recognizing burgeoning artists who go on to achieve significant career milestones.
Multiple Nominations Signal Widespread Recognition
Several artists have received nominations across multiple categories, indicating a broad impact and consistent quality of their recent work. Margo Price, Brandi Carlile, Ken Pomeroy, I’m With Her, Mon Rovëa, and S.G. Goodman are among those recognized in more than one segment of the awards. This multi-category recognition is a testament to their versatility and the depth of their artistic contributions over the past year, suggesting they are poised to be significant figures on the night of the awards.
Album of the Year: A Showcase of Diverse Voices
The Album of the Year category presents a compelling collection of critically acclaimed releases that represent the diverse sonic landscapes within Americana. Tyler Childers’s Snipe Hunter, produced by a formidable team including Rick Rubin and Nick Sanborn, is a strong contender, following Childers’s own win in this category in 2023 for Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?. Kathleen Edwards’s Billionaire, co-produced by Americana stalwarts Jason Isbell and Gena Johnson, offers a deeply personal and resonant collection of songs. S.G. Goodman’s Planting by the Signs, with production by Goodman herself alongside Matthew Rowan and Drew Vandenberg, has garnered widespread praise for its lyrical depth and innovative sound. Ken Pomeroy’s Cruel Joke, featuring production by Colton Jean, Dakota McDaniel, and Gary Paczosa, showcases a distinctive artistic vision. Rounding out the nominees is Margo Price’s Hard Headed Woman, produced by Matt Ross-Spang, which has been lauded for its raw honesty and classic Americana feel.
The nominations in this category reflect a commitment to honoring albums that not only push the boundaries of the genre but also resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike. The inclusion of artists like Childers, who has a recent win in this category, alongside emerging talents, highlights the enduring appeal and evolving nature of Americana album artistry.
Duo/Group of the Year: A Legacy Continues and New History is Made
The Duo/Group of the Year category is particularly intriguing this year, with a potential for historical achievements. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, a duo with a storied career and a reputation for uncompromising artistic integrity, are vying for a repeat win. Their previous victory last year places them in contention to become the third act in the awards’ history to achieve back-to-back wins in this category, following in the footsteps of The Avett Brothers (2010-11) and The War and Treaty (2022-23).
Adding another layer of historical significance, the nominee I’m With Her, who previously won this category in 2019, could become the first all-woman group to secure two Duo/Group of the Year awards. This potential achievement would mark a significant milestone for female representation and leadership within the Americana music community. The category also features strong contenders in Flatland Cavalry, Mumford & Sons, and Turnpike Troubadours, each bringing their unique sound and devoted fan bases to the competition.
Emerging Act of the Year: The Future of Americana
The Emerging Act of the Year category shines a spotlight on the artists poised to shape the future of Americana music. Nominees include Boy Golden, Crowe Boys, Kashus Culpepper, Ken Pomeroy, and Mon Rovëa. These artists represent a diverse range of styles and influences, promising an exciting future for the genre. Ken Pomeroy’s nomination in this category, in addition to his Album of the Year nod, highlights his rapidly ascending profile. Similarly, Mon Rovëa’s inclusion in both Emerging Act and Song of the Year underscores their growing impact.
Song of the Year: Lyrical Prowess and Emotional Resonance
The Song of the Year nominees showcase exceptional songwriting, with lyrics that are both poignant and thought-provoking. Brandi Carlile’s "Returning to Myself," written solely by the artist, is a testament to her introspective lyrical abilities. S.G. Goodman’s "Snapping Turtle" is recognized for its compelling narrative and evocative imagery. I’m With Her’s "Wild and Clear and Blue," a collaborative effort penned by Sarah Jarosz, Josh Kaufman, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins, exemplifies the synergy and creative partnership within the trio. Mon Rovëa’s "Heavy Foot," written by Grant Averill, Eric Cromartie, Cooper Holzman, and Andrew Lowe, represents a powerful contribution from the emerging act. The category is further enriched by Lucinda Williams’s "The World’s Gone Wrong," featuring Brittney Spencer and written by Tom Overby, Doug Pettibone, and Williams herself, a poignant reflection from a legendary artist.
Background and Significance of the Americana Honors & Awards
The Americana Honors & Awards ceremony is the capstone event of the annual Americanafest, a multi-day music festival and conference that celebrates and promotes Americana music. Held in Nashville, the event draws thousands of artists, industry professionals, and fans from around the globe. The Americana Music Association (AMA), a non-profit trade organization, established the awards in 2002 to recognize and celebrate artists who have made significant contributions to the Americana genre.
The Ryman Auditorium, often referred to as the "Mother Church of Country Music," provides an iconic and fitting venue for the awards. Its rich history and legendary acoustics have hosted countless musical luminaries, making it a hallowed ground for music enthusiasts. The ceremony itself is known for its intimate setting, where nominees and performers often share the stage in collaborative performances, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect among artists.
The selection process involves nominations from Americana Music Association members, followed by voting by a panel of industry professionals. This ensures a comprehensive and representative slate of nominees that reflects the breadth and depth of the Americana music landscape.
Ticketing and Event Information
The 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 16th. Americanafest, the broader festival encompassing the awards, will run from September 15th to 19th in various venues across Nashville. Tickets for the Honors & Awards show are currently available to Silver Wristband Holders. Availability for festival wristband holders, members of the Americana Music Association, and the general public will be announced at a later date, indicating a phased approach to ticket sales that prioritizes dedicated fans and industry stakeholders.
Nominees List:
Album of the Year:
- Snipe Hunter, Tyler Childers; Produced by Tyler Childers, Rick Rubin & Nick Sanborn
- Billionaire, Kathleen Edwards; Produced by Jason Isbell & Gena Johnson
- Planting by the Signs, S.G. Goodman; Produced by S.G. Goodman, Matthew Rowan & Drew Vandenberg
- Cruel Joke, Ken Pomeroy; Produced by Colton Jean, Dakota McDaniel & Gary Paczosa
- Hard Headed Woman, Margo Price; Produced by Matt Ross-Spang
Artist of the Year:
- Brandi Carlile
- Charley Crockett
- Margo Price
- Molly Tuttle
- Jesse Welles
Duo/Group of the Year:
- Flatland Cavalry
- I’m With Her
- Mumford & Sons
- Turnpike Troubadours
- Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Emerging Act of the Year:
- Boy Golden
- Crowe Boys
- Kashus Culpepper
- Ken Pomeroy
- Mon Rovëa
Song of the Year:
- “Returning to Myself,” Brandi Carlile; Written by Brandi Carlile
- “Snapping Turtle,” S.G. Goodman; Written by S.G. Goodman
- “Wild and Clear and Blue” I’m With Her; Written by Sarah Jarosz, Josh Kaufman, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins
- “Heavy Foot,” Mon Rovëa; Written by Grant Averill, Eric Cromartie, Cooper Holzman & Andrew Lowe
- “The World’s Gone Wrong,” Lucinda Williams (feat. Brittney Spencer); Written by Tom Overby, Doug Pettibone & Lucinda Williams
The anticipation for the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards is palpable, promising an unforgettable evening celebrating the heart and soul of American roots music.
