It’s hard to best Billy Strings. And though the bluegrass field is extremely solid and chock full of talentespecially this year’s list of nomineesit was Billy who came out on top at the 2026 Grammys.
It’s hard to best Billy Strings. And though the bluegrass field is extremely solid and chock full of talent—especially this year’s list of nominees—it was Billy who came out on top. Strings was announced as the winner of Best Bluegrass Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards Sunday afternoon (2-1) as part of the Grammy’s “Premier Ceremony” for his album Highway Prayers. This is Billy’s third win for Best Bluegrass album to go along with Home and Live Vol.1. Strings had to navigate an stiff field to secure the trophy that included Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter’s top shelf collaborative album, A Tip Toe High Wire by Sierra Hull, Outrun by the SteelDrivers, and the Alison Krauss ans Union Station comeback record Arcadia. Krauss is one of the most nominated and awarded artists in Grammy history with 27. If you’re a traditional country or bluegrass fan, it’s always felt like your Billy Strings fandom would come with an expiration date. You’ve been stealing yourself for the moment that Strings takes a hero’s journey dose of psilocybin mushrooms, mashes the effects pedal that makes his acoustic guitar sound like an electric one, and ventures off into the world of psychedelic rock never to return to the bluegrass side except for some fleeting bouts of nostalgia.But once again—as he continues to do throughout his illustrious career—Billy Strings proves those fears of his bluegrass fans unwarranted. Aside for some very minor detours, Highway Prayers is a full throttle road trip into 20 original and traditional bluegrass tracks, with some killer tunes, surprisingly involved writing, while still delivering the spellbinding improvisation that is at the heart of Billy’s unique appeal.Billy Strings was not on hand to accept the award personally. Other early winners in the American Roots categories include I’m With Her who won both Best Folk Album for Wild and Clear and Blue, and Best American Roots Song for “Ancient Light.” Best Americana Album went to Jon Batiste for Big Money. Best Americana Performance went to Mavis Staples for “Godspeed,” and Best American Roots Performance went to Staples for “Beautiful Strangers.” Early winners in country include Tyler Childers for Best Country Song for “Bitin’ List,” Chris Stapleton for “Bad as I Used to Be [From F1® The Movie],” and “Amen” by Shaboozey and Jelly Roll for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Stay tuned to Saving Country Music for more coverage of the Grammy Awards.– – – – – – – – – – –
The Grammy for Billy Strings is absolutely deserved. “Highway Prayers” is an absolutely gigantic album.
I went to see Billy Strings in Baltimore and it was unbelievable. To see 14,000 people head banging to Ole Slewfoot was mind-blowing. I am a fan. Congratulations, Billy.
Source: savingcountrymusic.com