The nominees for this year’s Americana Honors & Awards have been unveiled and include a mix of familiar names and rising artists. Announced today (June 10), this year’s top honorees include Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Jason Isbell, Charley Crockett, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings.
One of the most buzz-worthy artists of the year is MJ Lenderman, the alt-country phenom and non-touring guitarist of Wednesday, whose fourth solo record, Manning Fireworks, has earned widespread acclaim. The record earned a spot in the coveted Album of the Year category, marking one of Lenderman’s impressive six nominations this year.
Other noteworthy names in this year’s categories include singer-songwriters Maggie Antone, Medium Build, and Jesse Welles, all of whom have built large fanbases partially through viral videos on TikTok. 
A complete list of nominees can be found below. Winners will be announced during the 24th annual Americana Honors & Awards, held September 10 at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, during AmericanaFest 2025. Tickets for the ceremony are available now via the Americana Music Association.
2025 Americana Honors & Awards Categories and Nominees:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
- Lonesome Drifter, Charley Crockett
Produced by Charley Crockett & Shooter Jennings - Foxes in the Snow, Jason Isbell
Produced by Jason Isbell & Gena Johnson - Manning Fireworks, MJ Lenderman
Produced by Alex Farrar & MJ Lenderman - South of Here, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Produced by Brad Cook - Woodland, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Produced by David Rawlings
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
- Charley Crockett
- Sierra Ferrell
- Joy Oladokun
- Billy Strings
- Waxahatchee
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
- Julien Baker & TORRES
- Dawes
- Larkin Poe
- The Mavericks
- Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
- Noeline Hofmann
- MJ Lenderman
- Medium Build
- Maggie Rose
- Jesse Welles
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
- Fred Eltringham
- Alex Hargreaves
- Megan Jane
- Kaitlyn Raitz
- Seth Taylor
SONG OF THE YEAR:
- “Johnny Moonshine,” Maggie Antone
Written by Maggie Antone, Natalie Hemby & Aaron Raitiere - “Ancient Light,” I’m With Her
Written by Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins - “Wristwatch,” MJ Lenderman
Written by MJ Lenderman - “Sunshine Getaway,” JD McPherson
Written by Page Burkum, JD McPherson & Jack Torrey - “Heartless,” Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Written by Nathaniel Rateliff
