Morgan Wallen is at the top of the country game right now, selling out stadiums, dropping chart-topping singles, and basically printing money every time he touches a mic. But when it comes to the Grammys next year? He’s out.
Wallen’s team just confirmed with The Hollywood Reporter that he won’t be submitting his music for consideration at the 2026 Grammy Awards, meaning one of the biggest acts in all of music just pulled himself out of the running.
On paper, it’s shocking. But if you’ve been paying attention, it makes sense. The Recording Academy hasn’t exactly been quick to embrace Wallen. Despite dominating the charts in the early 2020s, he’s been pretty much ignored by voters.
His first Grammy nod didn’t even come from his own record—it was from being featured on Post Malone’s country banger “I Had Some Help” in 2024. That’s a wild stat when you consider he’s been one of the most streamed artists across all genres for years.
So what’s the move here? Is Wallen making a statement about not needing industry validation? Or is it just a middle finger to an awards show that never showed him love in the first place? Either way, it’s kind of admirable. When you’re one of the biggest draws in live music and your fans are packing stadiums, do you really need a golden statue to tell you you’re winning?
Country has always had a complicated relationship with the Grammys (ask any fan who thought Chris Stapleton or Kacey Musgraves got robbed), but Wallen just took it to another level. Love him or hate him, you have to admit this is a boss move.
