The War and Treaty to Receive Origins Vanguard Award at Origins Impact Awards: Full List of 2026 Nominees

Origins Music Group announced this year's finalists across 18 categories, including Breland, Blanco Brown and K. Michelle. Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and The Treaty perform onstage at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Christopher Polk/Variety Trending on Billboard The War and Treaty are set to receive the inaugural Origins Vanguard Award at the third annual Origins Impact Awards on Thursday, Nov. 19 at Nashville’s Woolworth Theatre. The husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter have built a celebrated career spanning country, Americana, soul and roots music. The duo has received two Grammy nominations, including best new artist, and three CMA Awards nominations for vocal duo of the year. The Origins Vanguard Award recognizes artists whose artistry, influence and impact have helped shape country music’s evolving landscape while opening doors and creating greater possibilities for others. “The Vanguard Award gives us an opportunity to recognize artists whose impact reaches beyond a single year,” Corey Jones, CEO and co-founder of Origins Music Group, said in a statement. “The War and Treaty represent exactly what this honor was created to celebrate. Their artistry speaks for itself, but their journey has also opened doors, challenged expectations and created space for artists who may not have always seen themselves reflected in Country Music.” Origins Music Group (OMG), a Nashville-based music and entertainment organization, also announced this year’s finalists across 18 categories, including Breland, Blanco Brown, K. Michelle, Nappy Roots, Pynk Beard, The Boykinz, Gustavo Mioto, RVSHVD, Shy Carter, Kashus Culpepper, Camille Parker, The Kentucky Gentlemen, MŌRIAH, Angie K and Dalton Dover. “What makes the Origins Impact Awards special is that we aren’t asking artists to fit into one narrow definition of what country music is supposed to look or sound like,” Jones said. “These finalists represent the depth of talent that exists across country music today. They are building audiences, creating communities and showing just how expansive this music and its culture can be.” The 2026 ceremony will feature live performances, special presentations and appearances from artists and industry leaders. Rissi Palmer, Coffey Anderson, Angie K, Miko Marks, Reyna Roberts and Pynk Beard were among the winners at the second Origins Impact Awards, which were held on Nov. 20, 2025, at Nashville’s The Cowan. Hosted by Justin Lee, performers included Pynk Beard, Wendy Moten, Grayson Russell, Sam Pounds and Coffey Anderson. Here’s a complete list of finalists for the 2026 Origins Impact Awards. Artist of the year Pynk Beard Blanco Brown 2’Live Bre Kashus Culpepper Best collaborative effort “Kids Like Us” — The Cowgays (Brooke Eden, Chris Housman & Adam Mac) “Ain’t Have a Lot” — Nappy Roots & Pynk Beard “Like A Bull” — Bavoh & Pynk Beard “On My Radio” — Ana Cristina Cash with Jamey Johnson Community advocate 2’Live Bre Eric Holt Nina Teapot Owens Rick Rodriguez Country duo/group The Boykinz Nappy Roots Butter & Grit The Kentucky Gentlemen Country hip-hop 2’Live Bre RVSHVD Cash Cortes Bavoh Country Latin Gustavo Mioto Cash Cortes MŌRIAH Felipe e Rodrigo Country rock Magnolia Rising Tristan McIntosh Grayson Russell Ollie Gabriel Country soul Pynk Beard Camille Parker Kenny Sharp and Brown Liquor Music EJ Jones Creator / influencer Debria Tyler Radio Rodd Fredy P Brei Carter DJ of the year DJ Smoke Kiya Lacey Elaina Smith Dom J Emerging artist Buddy Red Kenny Sharp Butter & Grit Dustin De La Garza Executive of the year Mimi McCarley Rick Rodriguez Chantrel Reynolds Romello Smith Innovative project The Cowgays Healing Harmonies — Emma Grace Glover Soul Country Music Star Touched By Sun Fest Origins champion Cris Lacy Mia Jones Willie “Prophet” Stiggers Jackie Martinez Marushka Producer of the year Brandon Manley Dubb-AA Aaron Lockhart DJ Chill Elektrohorse Song of the year “Ice on the Road” — Pynk Beard “Southern Country Girl Part 2” — 2’Live Bre & The Boykinz “Mine Lord Willing” — Pynk Beard “Narco” — Cash Cortes Songwriter of the year Breland Sebastian Kole (Pynk Beard) Shy Carter Cash Cortes Traditional country artist K. Michelle (Puddin) Dalton Dover Don Louis Angie K Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox Sign Up