Categories recognize country music released during 2026. Finalists are announced for each category before results are certified.
The 2026 winners were determined by the Country Music Awards program from the announced finalist field. No public ballot was conducted for the 2026 edition.
Results are certified before publication. Certified pages show the winner and the complete finalist field; count totals are published only where approved.
Where a public vote is held, every submitted ballot receives a receipt code. No ballots were issued for the 2026 edition.
