2026 Triple Play Awards: Honoring Nashville's Top Songwriters
The 2026 Triple Play Awards were held at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, honoring songwriters who achieved three No. 1 songs within a year. This prestigious award is highly esteemed in Music City, recognizing the craft and talent of the honorees. Sixteen Triple Play winners were celebrated this year, including both seasoned and first-time No. 1 earning songwriters, as well as the recipient of the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, Bart Herbison.
The event showcased the talents of Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ella Langley, Chase McGill, John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, Austin Post (Post Malone), Ernest Keith Smith (Ernest), and Morgan Wallen. While some of these songwriters have previously received the award, others marked their first Triple Play win, solidifying their place in the music genre.
The atmosphere at the awards ceremony was filled with reverence and camaraderie, as songwriters celebrated each other's achievements and shared a mutual love for well-crafted songs. John Morgan, a first-time No. 1 artist, expressed his disbelief at being recognized alongside some of the industry's best writers, highlighting the significance of the honor and the talent present in the room.
The collection of No. 1 songs honored at the Triple Play Awards reflected a mix of instant classics, from Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" to Morgan Wallen's chart-topping hits. The event also featured a special moment honoring Bart Herbison with the Songwriter Advocate Award, acknowledging his advocacy for music rights in Nashville and beyond. Herbison encouraged the next generation of songwriters to be proactive in protecting their creative rights and making their voices heard.
A touching tribute to songwriter Paul Overstreet, known for hits like "Seein' My Father In Me" and "When You Say Nothing At All," was a standout moment of the night. His children, who inherited his musical talent, performed a medley of his songs, evoking strong emotions among the audience. The Triple Play Awards underscored Nashville's commitment to songwriting and showcased the industry's leading talents and trendsetters, shaping the future of country music.