The Wolfe Brothers celebrated a remarkable victory at the 2026 Country Music Awards of Australia, sweeping five awards, including Album of the Year for their album Australian Made. The ceremony, held in Tamworth on Saturday night, showcased the duo’s commitment to Australian country music, highlighting their deep connection to the nation’s culture and stories.
Brothers Nick and Tom Wolfe received accolades for Contemporary Album of the Year, Duo of the Year, Vocal Collaboration of the Year, and Heritage Song of the Year, bringing their total Golden Guitar count to an impressive 15. Reflecting on their journey, the brothers expressed a sense of belonging in Australia, stating they had reconsidered moving to the United States to pursue their dreams. “This is our home, this is where our family is, this is the country we care about,” Tom stated after their wins. He emphasized the importance of Australian country music, saying it is “from the heart,” filled with songs about farmers and real people.
The Wolfe Brothers’ success comes amid a global resurgence of interest in country music, and they are determined to continue crafting modern tunes inspired by their homeland.
Chambers and Nicholson Shine
Country music veteran Kasey Chambers, who led the nominations with 13 categories, also had a noteworthy night, taking home three awards. Her collaboration with ex-husband Shane Nicholson on “The Divorce Song” earned her both Single of the Year and Song of the Year honors. Chambers shared her thoughts on their partnership, remarking, “I don’t think we thought we’d be standing up here together again ever,” highlighting the emotional significance of their collaboration after their divorce.
Chambers’ album also won Alt-Country Album of the Year, marking her 20th Golden Guitar victory. Nicholson, too, has secured over 15 Golden Guitars in his career, underscoring their lasting impact on the genre.
Additional Awards Recognize Talent
In other categories, Wade Forster was named Male Artist of the Year and New Talent of the Year, while Max Jackson won Female Artist of the Year for the second consecutive year. Fanny Lumsden, a two-time ARIA winner, and her husband Dan Stanley Freeman won Video of the Year for “Look At Me Now.” Freeman described their work as a personal reflection of their life together, stating, “This particular clip is quite different in that it’s not the world of the song, it’s the world of our lives.”
The 2026 Golden Guitar winners highlight the vibrant talent within the Australian country music scene, showcasing a strong connection to their roots while embracing contemporary influences. This year’s awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also reinforce the genre’s rich storytelling tradition that resonates deeply with audiences across Australia and beyond.
The complete list of winners includes:
– Female Artist of the Year: Max Jackson
– Male Artist of the Year: Wade Forster
– Album of the Year: Australian Made – The Wolfe Brothers
– Song of the Year: The Divorce Song – Kasey Chambers featuring Shane Nicholson
– Single of the Year: The Divorce Song – Kasey Chambers featuring Shane Nicholson
– Video of the Year: Look At Me Now – Fanny Lumsden
– Alt Country Album of the Year: Backbone – Kasey Chambers
– Traditional Country Album of the Year: Start All Over Again – Brendan Radford
– Heritage Song of the Year: Australian Made – The Wolfe Brothers
– Vocal Collaboration of the Year: How Many One More Times – The Wolfe Brothers with Zac & George
The awards serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of country music in Australia, celebrating its unique narratives and the artists who bring them to life.
