Country music artists are gearing up for the 2026 Golden Guitar Awards, a highlight of the Tamworth Country Music Festival in Australia. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in the genre, and this year features a range of talented nominees. Among them is Casey Barnes, who will co-host the ceremony alongside Amber Lawrence.
Barnes, who has won three Golden Guitars, including Album of the Year in 2023, recalls the significance of his first nomination in 2018. Having already made waves as a semi-finalist on Australian Idol and opened for music legends like Bryan Adams and Mariah Carey, he found the nomination particularly special. “It’s one of those things that you watch as a kid where you see your idols win and think it’s pretty special,” Barnes shared with the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
Big Names and Rising Stars
Another exciting contender is Lane Pittman, a young artist nominated for Single of the Year. He reminisced about winning his first Golden Guitar while on tour with US star Luke Combs. Although he could not attend the ceremony, his mother met Troy Cassar-Daley, who congratulated Lane, emphasizing that “the first one is always the big one.” This sentiment resonates strongly within the country music community.
With a remarkable 13 nominations, Kasey Chambers is the favorite to dominate the 2026 awards. She is followed closely by her ex-husband, Shane Nicholson, and the musical duo The Wolfe Brothers, each with eight nominations. Sara Storer, a veteran of the awards with 22 Golden Guitar wins, also received four nominations this year. Storer expressed her excitement about the event, highlighting the abundance of new talent emerging in the industry.
Celebrating Tradition and New Talent
The Golden Guitar Awards are not just about accolades; they celebrate the spirit of country music in Australia. “I’m really appreciative when I get in amongst all the new and upcoming talent coming through – who are fantastic,” Storer noted. She emphasized the thrill of participating in such a prestigious event, stating, “But it’s exciting to be part of the big night too, to get to dress up – and you’re always in for a chance.”
The 2026 Country Music Awards of Australia will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2026, in Tamworth, capping off a ten-day festival filled with music, dance, and entertainment. The anticipation builds as artists prepare to showcase their talents and celebrate their peers.
Fans can look forward to an energetic evening, filled with exceptional performances and heartfelt moments that define the essence of country music. As the stars align for this year’s nominees, the Golden Guitar Awards promise to be a memorable event in the country music calendar.
