Americana Awards 2024: Lenderman & Crockett Lead Nominations
MJ Lenderman dominates the 2025 Americana Honors & Awards nominations, securing a leading three nods, a testament to his rising star. The Americana Music Association revealed the nominees, highlighting Charley Crockett and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, each with two nominations, promising a vibrant ceremony. Lenderman’s “Manning Fireworks” is a shoo-in, also scoring a song of the year nod. Sierra Ferrell’s continuous artist of the year nomination, without a new album, showcases her live performance prowess. Jason Isbell, Billy Strings, JD McPherson, and Julian Baker are also in contention for the awards. News Directory 3 keeps you informed about the Americana community. The prestigious awards will be held on September 10th at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Discover what’s next for these celebrated artists.
MJ Lenderman Leads 2025 Americana Music Awards Nominations
Updated June 10, 2025
MJ Lenderman is in the spotlight with three nominations for the 2025 Americana Honors & Awards, leading all contenders. The americana Music Association unveiled the nominees Tuesday, with Charley Crockett, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings each securing two nods.
This year’s announcement shifted from a live Nashville event to a social media video featuring past winners and Americana community members, including Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves.
Lenderman’s nominations include album of the year for “Manning Fireworks,” song of the year, and emerging artist of the year. “Manning Fireworks,” his fifth solo album, has gained significant traction in mainstream rock circles.
Sierra Ferrell continues her awards streak, securing her fourth consecutive Americana Award nomination. Despite not releasing a new album recently, her reputation as a compelling live performer earned her another artist of the year nomination, a category she won in 2024.
Crockett, previously named emerging artist of the year in 2021, is again in contention for artist of the year.
Jason Isbell, Billy Strings, and Larkin Poe also received nominations. Dawes and Julien Baker are among the first-time nominees, while JD McPherson returns after his 2013 breakthrough.
The artist of the year and album of the year categories feature repeat nominees from 2024. Isbell, nominated last year for “Weathervanes,” is again nominated for his solo album, “Foxes in the Snow.”
What’s next
The Americana Honors & Awards ceremony will take place Sept. 10 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, coinciding with the AmericanaFest conference and festival. Lifetime achievement awards will also be presented to veteran artists.
2025 Americana Honors & Awards Nominees
| Category | Nominees |
|---|---|
| Album of the Year | “Lonesome Drifter,” Charley Crockett; “Foxes in the Snow,” Jason Isbell; “Manning Fireworks,” MJ Lenderman; “South of Here,” Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; “Woodland,” Gillian Welch & David Rawlings |
| Artist of the Year | Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Place Olds, Billy Strings, Waxahatchee |
| Duo/Group of the Year | Julien Baker & TORRES, Dawes, Larkin Poe, The Mavericks, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings |
| Emerging Act of the Year | Noeline Hofmann, MJ Lenderman, Medium build, maggie Rose, Jesse Welles |
| Instrumentalist of the Year | Fred Eltringham, Alex Hargreaves, Megan Jane, Kaitlyn Raitz, Seth Taylor |
| song of the Year | “Johnny Moonshine,” Maggie Antone; “Ancient Light,” I’m With Her; “Wristwatch,” MJ Lenderman; “Sunshine Getaway,” JD McPherson; “Heartless,” Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats |