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
Dubb-AA Aaron Lockhart
DJ Chill
Elektrohorse
Song of the year
“Ice on the Road” — Pynk Beard
“Southern Country Girl Part 2” — 2’Live Bre & The Boykinz
“Mine Lord Willing” — Pynk Beard
“Narco” — Cash Cortes
Songwriter of the year
Breland
Sebastian Kole (Pynk Beard)
Shy Carter
Cash Cortes
Traditional country artist
K. Michelle (Puddin)
Dalton Dover
Don Louis
Angie K
This story originally appeared on Billboard
