Morgan Wallen has opted out of contention for the 2026 Grammy Awards, as confirmed by his team to The Hollywood Reporter, effectively sidelining one of the music industry's marquee acts from the prestigious ceremony. Beyond affirming this decision, his team declined to offer any additional remarks or specifics.
Since ascending to the pinnacle of the country music scene in the early 2020s, Wallen has failed to garner widespread favor among the Recording Academy's voter demographic. It wasn't until last year, when he featured on Post Malone's country hit "I Had Some Help," that he secured his maiden Grammy nominations. Despite various controversies, notably his infamous use of a racial slur in 2021, Wallen has emerged as the undisputed heavyweight champion of country music worldwide. His album "I'm The Problem," released in May, has not only topped Billboard's 200 Albums chart for 11 consecutive weeks but also became the most-streamed country album of the year within a day of its release. Songs from the album dominated the Hot 100 throughout the summer, with "What I Want," featuring Tate McRae, reaching the chart's summit in May.
This isn't the first instance in recent years where a major artist has given the Grammys the cold shoulder. In 2021, The Weeknd famously boycotted the Awards, citing a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. However, he made amends with the Grammys during last year's ceremony, making a surprise appearance to perform "Cry For Me" and "Timeless." Introducing him, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledged the controversy, stating, "Criticism is OK. I heard him. I felt his conviction."
Representatives from both the Academy and Wallen's record label, Big Loud, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This year's Grammy eligibility period will conclude on August 30, with first-round voting set to commence from October 3 to October 15. Nominees will be unveiled on November 7.
