The countdown to one of the biggest nights in the UK country music calendar has officially begun. The British Country Music Association (BCMA) has announced the finalists for this year’s BCMA Awards, and members now have the power to decide who will take home the coveted trophies.
The final voting round opens today, 30th September, and runs until 21st October, with all BCMA members invited to cast their votes across a stellar lineup of categories. Winners will be crowned at the highly anticipated BCMA Awards Night in 2026.
About the BCMA Awards
- What are they?
The British Country Music Association Awards (BCMAs) are the UK’s leading celebration of homegrown and international country music talent. - Who votes?
BCMA members – artists, industry professionals, and fans – vote across multiple categories, recognising achievements in recording, performance, broadcasting, and live events. - Why they matter:
The BCMAs highlight the best in UK country music while also acknowledging the global stars shaping the genre. - When’s the big night?
The winners will be revealed at the BCMA Awards Night in 2026, one of the most anticipated events in the country music calendar.
A Celebration of UK Country Talent
This year’s shortlist showcases the depth and diversity of the UK country scene. The UK Album of the Year category is particularly strong, featuring Jade Helliwell’s heartfelt How Love Goes, Katy Hurt’s bold Gimmi a Break, and Sarah Louise’s uplifting Sunflower Now among the contenders. With Rob Wheeler and Robyn Red also in the running, it promises to be one of the most closely watched categories.
Meanwhile, the UK Single of the Year is a true fan-favourite lineup, with chart-toppers like Twinnie’s “Hypothetically” and Kezia Gill’s “This Perfect Night” competing against rising stars including Rhiannon Paige and Ryan Evans.
The battle for UK Male and Female Vocalist is set to be just as exciting, with fan favourites such as Chris Andreucci, Ryan Evans, Jade Helliwell, Kezia Gill, and Twinnie all making the final cut.
Big Names, Big Stages
Live performance and charisma take centre stage in the UK Entertainer of the Year category, where Jade Helliwell, Kezia Gill, and Ryan Evans face tough competition from Jake O’Neill and Outpost Drive.
The UK Duo/Trio and UK Band of the Year categories bring household names like Ward Thomas, The Shires, and First Time Flyers into the spotlight, proving the enduring popularity of groups on the British country circuit.
On the international side, heavyweights dominate the shortlist. Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind and Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem headline the International Album of the Year, while the International Song of the Year category pits Jessica Lynn, Alyssa Bonagora, and Jeremy McComb against fresh global talent.
Celebrating the Whole Country Music Community
The BCMA continues to honour not just artists, but the wider community that keeps country music thriving. Categories for UK Photographer of the Year, UK Radio Station and Presenter of the Year, and UK Festival of the Year recognise the creators, broadcasters, and organisers who bring country music to fans year-round.
With finalists ranging from Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2 to Blackdeer Festival and Country 2 Country, these awards celebrate every corner of the scene.
Full List of Finalists
UK Album of the Year
- Jade Helliwell – How Love Goes
- Katy Hurt – Gimmi a Break
- Rob Wheeler – Leave Tomorrow
- Robyn Red – Caledonia with Love
- Sarah Louise – Sunflower Now
UK Single of the Year
- Rhiannon Paige – The Story is Mine
- Jake O’Neill – Taste of Us
- Ryan Evans – Rode with Me
- Kezia Gill – This Perfect Night
- Twinnie – Hypothetically
UK Male Vocalist
- Chris Andreucci
- Gary Quinn
- Luke Flear
- Ryan Evans
- Jake O’Neill
UK Female Vocalist
- Robyn Red
- Jade Helliwell
- Kezia Gill
- Twinnie
- Rhiannon Paige
UK Duo / Trio
- Outpost Drive
- The Shires
- Wanderin’ Hearts
- Two Ways Home
- Ward Thomas
UK Band of the Year
- First Time Flyers
- The Bondurants
- Morganway
- Jackson Line
- Wood Burnt Red
UK Entertainer of the Year
- Outpost Drive
- Jake O’Neill
- Jade Helliwell
- Kezia Gill
- Ryan Evans
UK Musician of the Year
- Luke Thomas
- Christiano Pochesci
- Chuck Walton
- Peter Gebbie
- Tyler Spicer
International Album of the Year
- Ella Langley – Hungover
- Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem
- Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind
- Jessica Lynn – All I Own
- Post Malone – F-1 Trillion
International Song of the Year
- Jeremy McComb – Laying Low
- Jessica Lynn – 16 Miles
- Lainey Wilson – 4x4xu
- Alyssa Bonagora – Old Piano
- Hayley Jenson – Giddy Up Cowboy
UK Photographer of the Year
- Michelle Fredericks
- Chris Mitchell
- DC Brown
- Jill Gibbons – Little Ninja
- Saski Jo – Shot by Sass
UK Radio Station of the Year
- CountryLine
- BBC Radio 2
- Absolute Country
- Smooth Country
- UK Country Radio
UK Radio Presenter of the Year
- Matt Clewes – Clewes Country
- Bob Harris – Radio 2
- Dom Crooke – Country Chat with Dom
- Madeline Christy – Phoenix 98 FM
- Harry Colley – Mix 56
UK Festival of the Year
- Blackdeer
- Buckle & Boots
- The Long Road
- The British Country Music Festival
- Country 2 Country
With voting now open, anticipation is already building for who will triumph when the winners are revealed at the 2026 BCMA Awards Night. One thing’s for certain – it’s going to be a night to remember for country music fans across the UK.
