Grammy Country Nominations 2024: Breaking Tradition with Surprising Contenders

The 2024 Grammy Awards have unveiled a country category lineup that’s got the genre talking—perhaps even scratching heads. Major players like Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert, who have traditionally dominated country music awards, are noticeably absent, making room for some unexpected names. This year’s country nominations not only blend genres but introduce surprising collaborations, unexpected genre-crossers, and a clear message that the Recording Academy is widening its definition of country music. Here’s a closer look at the nominees, the surprises, and what this all might signal for the future of country at the Grammys.

Lainey Wilson: Photo Credit: Eric Ryan Anderson | Beyonce Courtesy Of Facebook | Chris Stapleton Photo Credit: Becky Fluke

Best Country Solo Performance: An Evolving Sound

Nominations:

• “16 Carriages” – Beyoncé

• “I Am Not Okay” – Jelly Roll

• “The Architect” – Kacey Musgraves

• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey

• “It Takes a Woman” – Chris Stapleton

For a category typically spotlighting country’s vocal powerhouses, the solo performance nominations take a bold turn this year. Beyoncé’s “16 Carriages,” an exploration of classic Southern blues intertwined with country overtones, is among the most talked-about nominations. Beyoncé has flirted with country elements before, but this song signals her deeper dive into the genre, leading to discussions about what it means to “belong” in country music.

Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay,” a gritty ballad about mental health, brings his unique brand of rock-country to the table, while Kacey Musgraves’ “The Architect” combines thoughtful lyricism with an ethereal soundscape. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” adds an unexpected hip-hop crossover influence, and Chris Stapleton’s “It Takes a Woman” returns with the classic richness Stapleton is known for, grounding this year’s nominations with a more traditional touch.

Best Country Duo/Group Performance: A Melting Pot of Styles

Nominations:

• “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan

• “II Most Wanted” – Beyoncé feat. Miley Cyrus

• “Break Mine” – Brothers Osborne

• “Bigger Houses” – Dan + Shay

• “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen

If any category shows just how much the Grammy Awards are rethinking country’s boundaries, it’s Best Country Duo/Group Performance. The nominees include unique collaborations that bridge traditional country with pop, rock, and beyond. Kelsea Ballerini’s duet with indie-folk artist Noah Kahan on “Cowboys Cry Too” is an emotionally raw track that expands what country can be by blending genres effortlessly.

Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus’s “II Most Wanted” leans into outlaw country vibes, while Dan + Shay’s “Bigger Houses” offers the duo’s trademark harmonies on a track that feels both familiar and fresh. Brothers Osborne’s “Break Mine” holds strong with a deeply personal narrative, and Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen was one of the most talked about this year.

Best Country Song: Redefining Country’s Heart

Nominations:

• “The Architect” – Kacey Musgraves

• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey

• “I Am Not Okay” – Jelly Roll

• “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen

• “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Beyoncé

This year’s Best Country Song category reads like a lineup of genre fusion, with lyrics and sounds that take cues from rock, hip-hop, and pop. Musgraves’ “The Architect” reflects on life’s construction with poetic flair, while “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” showcases Shaboozey’s knack for storytelling with a distinctly modern twist. Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” a nod to Southern roots, rounds out the category, once again pushing the boundaries of traditional country by bringing pop’s reigning queen into the mix.

Best Country Album: Pushing Boundaries

Nominations:

• COWBOY CARTER – Beyoncé

• F-1 Trillion – Post Malone

• Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves

• Higher – Chris Stapleton

• Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson

The nominees for Best Country Album epitomize the genre’s evolution. Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER is perhaps the most controversial, marrying her distinctive style with country-inspired themes and production. Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion, anticipated for its that has been a smash since it's release, represents the blend of country and hip-hop influences, an experimental choice for the genre.

Musgraves’ Deeper Well brings introspection and lyricism to the forefront, while Stapleton’s Higher serves as a testament to the power of traditional country music’s emotive range. Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind rounds out the category, leaning on her authentic storytelling that reflects the genre’s roots even as it grows.

The Big Picture: A New Era for Country Music?

This year’s Grammy country nominations are anything but predictable. For many fans, the absence of Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, and other well-loved mainstays raises questions, but it also reveals a broader shift. The Recording Academy seems to be embracing a vision of country music that is more inclusive and genre-fluid, allowing artists from diverse backgrounds to experiment within its boundaries.

The future of country at the Grammys looks to be one where tradition and innovation coexist. As artists from pop, rock, and hip-hop continue exploring country influences, these nominations could mark a turning point—a redefinition of what it means to be a country artist and a country fan alike. With genre-blending, crossovers, and fresh voices, this year’s Grammys may leave a lasting impact on the country music landscape, inviting listeners to rethink their expectations and embrace a more inclusive sound.

Whether or not fans are ready for these changes, one thing is clear: the Grammy Awards are paving the way for a new kind of country music, one that reflects both its storied roots and its boundless future.