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

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