2026 Arkansas Country Music Awards: Nominees, Categories, and How to Vote
The 2026 Arkansas Country Music Awards nominees have been announced, and AY Magazine is once again in the running for Publication/Blog/Podcast of the Year. Fans can cast their votes on the award show's website from March 1 to March 14. The winners will be revealed at a ceremony on June 1 at the University of Central Arkansas, with tickets available for purchase ranging from $40 to $178. The nominees cover various categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Americana Artist of the Year, and Female Vocalist of the Year.
The nominees for Entertainer of the Year include Cliff & Susan, David Adam Byrnes, Sylamore Special, Tyler Kinch, and Waylon Wyatt. In the Americana Artist of the Year category, artists like Ashtyn Barbaree, Common Roots, and Jesse Welles are nominated. Bluegrass Artist of the Year features bands like Arkansauce and Harmony Hollow, while Country Artist of the Year includes Blane Howard and Kelsey Lamb among others. Female Vocalist of the Year nominees include Abbey Pierce and Kelsey Lamb, while Male Vocalist of the Year features artists like Blane Howard and David Adam Byrnes.
Vocal Duo/Group of the Year includes Cliff & Susan and TRIPPP, while Acoustic Act of the Year features Batterton & Edwards and The Creek Rocks. Music Collaboration of the Year showcases songs like "Are You a Real Cowboy" by Amanda Kate Ferris and "Human Together" by Lance Carpenter. Young Artist of the Year nominees include Addyson Kennedy and Grace Wells. The Album of the Year category includes works like "Don't Call Me Darlin'" by Abbey Pierce and "Echoes from the Open Road" by Kish Moody.
Song of the Year nominees feature tracks like "Dancing with a Cowboy" by Tyler Kinch and "West Virginia" by Cliff & Susan. Songwriter of the Year includes Barrett Baber and Lance Carpenter, while Music Producer of the Year features names like Jeremy Huddleston and Jon Raney. Sound Engineer of the Year nominees include Bob Brazeal and Darren Crisp, and Promoter of the Year includes Erica Holthus and Rickey Crawford. The Video of the Year category showcases music videos like "All American" by Lance Carpenter and "Tease" by Kelsey Lamb.
Inspirational Recording of the Year features songs like "Give It to Jesus" by Anna Brinker and "Revival" by Woodshed Revival. Radio Station of the Year nominees include KDXY and KKYR, while Radio DJ of the Year features personalities like Beemer and Greg Geary. Venue of the Year includes locations like The Collins Theatre and The Hall, and Specialty/Utility Musician of the Year features musicians like Jeremy Huddleston and Michael Heavner. The awards ceremony promises to be a celebration of the best in Arkansas country music talent.