Zach Top and Brandi Carlile Shine in WA Grammy Nominations

The Recording Academy has unveiled the nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, highlighting the achievements of Washington artists, particularly Zach Top and Brandi Carlile. On Friday, the country singer-songwriter from Sunnyside and Pasco received his first three nominations, including two for his breakout track “I Never Lie,” which is nominated for best country song and best country solo performance. Additionally, his sophomore album, “Ain’t In It for My Health,” is nominated for best traditional country album.

Carlile, a seasoned Grammy contender, also garnered two nominations for her collaborative work with Elton John. Their album, “Who Believes in Angels?”, is nominated for best traditional pop album, while their single “Never Too Late” competes in the best song written for visual media category. This year’s nominations reflect a growing recognition of Washington’s musical talent, with both artists set to showcase their skills in the upcoming awards ceremony on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Despite the excitement surrounding Top and Carlile, not all local artists received recognition. Benson Boone, who has made waves with his popular singles “Beautiful Things” and “American Heart,” was notably absent from this year’s nominations. Boone, who only received one nod for best new artist last year, had hoped for a more substantial presence this time around, especially following his impressive performances.

In addition to Top and Carlile, several other Washington artists received nominations. Dimitriy Lipay, a seven-time Grammy winner, is nominated for producer of the year and for his contributions to the classical album “Ortiz: Yanga.” The Seattle-based vocal quartet säje received a nomination for best arrangement, instrument and vocals for their collaboration with jazz drummer Nate Smith on the song “Big Fish.”

The jazz ensemble The Westerlies also earned a nomination for their arrangement of “Fight On,” featured on their latest album, “Paradise.” In the realm of global music, Ganesh Rajagopalan, a violinist and composer from Bellevue, is up for two nominations regarding his work with the fusion band Shakti.

Additionally, local video game composer Wilbert Roget II is in the running for best score for video games and other interactive media for his work on “Helldivers 2.” The visual artists behind the striking cover art for Perfume Genius‘ album “Glory” are nominated in the new category for best album cover. Finally, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans received a nomination for best regional roots music album with their release “For Fat Man.”

The 2026 Grammy Awards are set to showcase a diverse range of musical talent, with Washington artists like Top and Carlile at the forefront. Their nominations highlight not only individual achievements but also the vibrant music scene in the region.