AceShowbiz - Waylon Hanel took home the Artist of the Year – Traditional/Classic Country award at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The honor marks the second consecutive year the 24-year-old self-taught musician from Millington, Michigan, has been recognized by the Josie Music Awards, following his 2025 Male Country Artist of the Year win.

"I'm incredibly grateful to the Josie Music Awards for believing in me and recognizing what we're building," Hanel said in a statement announcing the win. "I grew up loving traditional country music, and I've always wanted to carry that sound forward while making it my own. To receive this award in Nashville, surrounded by so many incredible independent artists, songwriters and musicians, means more to me than I can put into words."

Named after country legend Waylon Jennings, Hanel has built his career around a deep connection to traditional and outlaw country while developing his sound and audience independently. His growing résumé includes performances alongside artists including Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Ashley McBryde, Chris Cagle, Walker Hayes, Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Lonestar and Mitchell Tenpenny, as well as appearances on national television and major country-focused media outlets.

The recognition arrives during a particularly active year for Hanel. His 2025 album, When Waylon Came To Nashville, earned a place on Saving Country Music's 2025 Essential Albums list, while songs from his catalog have appeared on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. His 2025 single Tow Truck Driver also reached No. 9 on the CDX True Indie Chart.

His 2026 campaign has included the release of When Waylon Came To Nashville as a music video, national media coverage and the September 18 release of Blame It On The Rain, the first single from his forthcoming EP, Price Of Smokes, due November 27 through CDX Records. The new single continues Hanel's commitment to classic country storytelling, combining upbeat honky-tonk energy with a humorous take on heartbreak. The official video received an exclusive premiere from The Country Note, while American Country Network will begin airing it on October 5.

Heidi Hanel/JWA Media

The 2026 Josie Music Awards recognition also comes as Hanel continues to receive nominations across the Traditional/Classic Country categories, including Artist of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year for Red Bricks, and Album of the Year for When Waylon Came To Nashville.

For Hanel, the Artist of the Year honor represents another milestone in a career he began building as a self-taught musician in Michigan. He will continue promoting his forthcoming Price Of Smokes EP throughout the fall with performances across Michigan and beyond.