Independent country singer-songwriter Waylon Hanel won Artist of the Year in the Traditional/Classic Country category at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The 24-year-old Michigan native previously won Male Country Artist of the Year at the same awards in 2025.
Hanel released the single “Blame It On The Rain” on Sept. 18, the lead track from his upcoming EP “Price Of Smokes,” set for release Nov. 27 via CDX Records. According to the announcement, his 2025 album “When Waylon Came To Nashville” was named to Saving Country Music’s 2025 Essential Albums list, and his single “Tow Truck Driver” reached No. 9 on the CDX True Indie Chart.
Hanel has also picked up additional nominations at this year’s Josie Music Awards, including Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Red Bricks,” and Album of the Year for “When Waylon Came To Nashville.” He plans to continue promoting the new EP with a series of shows across Michigan this fall.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Jason W. Ashcraft / JWA Media, jwamedia.com.