Star-Studded Lineup Revealed for Prestigious Americana Honors & Awards!

The 25th annual Americana Honors & Awards show is slated for September 16 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, promising an evening of esteemed performances and tributes. This year’s ceremony will be hosted once again by The Milk Carton Kids, with the acclaimed songwriter, musician, and producer Buddy Miller returning as the musical director for the Americana All-Star Band. The band features an impressive lineup including Don Was, Larry Campbell, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, and The McCrary Sisters, ensuring a night of exceptional musical accompaniment.

A star-studded roster of artists is set to take the stage as performers or presenters. Among them are Margo Price, Robert Plant, Brandi Carlile, I’m With Her, and Kashus Culpepper. A highlight of the evening will be Robert Plant’s special performance, marking his return to the Ryman stage 15 years after his 2011 album of the year-winning project, Band of Joy. Plant is being recognized as a 2026 recipient of the Americana Music Association’s lifetime achievement award. Additionally, a heartfelt special performance is planned to honor the late Dolly Parton, who will also be posthumously recognized as a lifetime achievement award honoree for her profound impact on roots music.

The lineup of performers extends to include a diverse array of talent, such as Boy Golden, Crowe Boys, Flatland Cavalry, Jesse Welles, Kathleen Edwards, Ken Pomeroy, Molly Tuttle, Mon Rovîa, and S.G. Goodman, ensuring a rich and varied musical experience for attendees and viewers alike.

Coinciding with the ceremony is the 26th annual AmericanaFest, taking place from September 15-19 in Nashville. Doors for the Honors & Awards show will open at 5 p.m. CT, with the ceremony commencing at 6:30 p.m. CT. For those unable to attend in person, the 2026 Honors & Awards will be livestreamed on September 16 at 6:30 p.m. CT via NPR’s YouTube channel and the Americana Music Association’s Facebook page. Audio simulcasts will also be available through SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country and Nashville-area terrestrial radio stations WRLT (100.1 FM), WSM (650 AM), and WMOT (89.5 FM). A specially edited version of the program is slated to broadcast in the Austin City Limits time slot, with its premiere scheduled for November 21.

The prestigious Artist of the Year award sees a competitive field of nominees this year, featuring Brandi Carlile, Charley Crockett, Margo Price, Molly Tuttle, and Jesse Welles. Brandi Carlile is a formidable contender, having previously claimed the Artist of the Year title in both 2019 and 2021. Furthermore, two other nominees, Margo Price (2016) and Charley Crockett (2021), are past recipients of the Emerging Artist of the Year trophy, underscoring the depth of talent recognized at the Americana Honors & Awards.