Rhinestones, Records, and a Clean Sweep: The Kody Norris Show Dominates 2026 SPBGMA Awards
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The world of bluegrass has a signature shimmer this year, and it’s coming directly from the rhinestone-studded suits of The Kody Norris Show. The high-energy group didn’t just attend the 51st annual SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) Awards—they owned them.
Taking home five of the night’s most prestigious honors, the group has solidified its place as the reigning powerhouse of modern traditional bluegrass. From the coveted Entertainer of the Year to Song of the Year, the 2026 awards served as a loud-and-clear validation of the band’s “Highfalutin Hillbilly” charm.
A Night of High Honors
The Kody Norris Show’s trophy case is getting a bit crowded after their historic run this weekend. The group secured wins in the following categories:
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Entertainer of the Year – The Kody Norris Show
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Song of the Year – “The Auctioneer”
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Band Overall of the Year – The Kody Norris Show
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Guitar Performer of the Year – Kody Norris
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Male Vocalist of the Year – Kody Norris
“The fans showed us so much love, and for that we are truly thankful,” shares Kody Norris. “I’m still speechless. We were so honored to be among the nominees, and to walk away with these awards is a testament to the community that supports us.”
A New Face on the Banjo
The accolades weren’t the only news coming off the stage. In a move that delighted the live audience, Kody Norris officially invited Hayden “Jim” Hensley to join the band as their permanent banjo player.
Hensley’s journey with the group is the stuff of bluegrass legend. Originally stepping in as a temporary fill-in for a summer gig following the departure of Josiah Tyree, Hensley’s talent and chemistry with the band made him irreplaceable.
“What started off as a summer gig before returning to school ended up turning into a full-time position,” Kody explains. “We are so proud of how far he has come in the last six months… You’re gonna love him!”
New Music on the Horizon: Two Albums in the Works
If you thought five awards would lead to a vacation, think again. The band is currently back in the studio working on two separate albums.
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A New Studio Album: The first single is scheduled to drop on February 20th, continuing the momentum from their hit album Highfalutin Hillbilly.
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The Jimmy Martin Tribute: A special collaboration album celebrating the 100th birthday of the “King of Bluegrass,” Jimmy Martin. This project will feature a “who’s who” of bluegrass royalty, including former Sunny Mountain Boys and various country music icons.
This follows the buzz of their recent music video for “Waitress, Waitress,” which featured a star-studded cast of cameos including John Berry, T. Graham Brown, and William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys.
About The Kody Norris Show
The Kody Norris Show is more than just a band; they are an experience. Fusing the visual flair of classic country with the technical precision of traditional bluegrass, they’ve become staples at the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium.
Led by Kody Norris and the award-winning fiddler Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, the group has consistently climbed the Billboard charts with albums like All Suited Up (#7) and Rhinestone Revival (#8). They represent a youthful, vibrant voice that honors the roots of the genre while keeping the “show” in show business.
The ‘Spirit of America’ 2026 Tour Dates
Catch the “Entertainers of the Year” live as they bring their high-octane performance to stages across the country: