Sundy Best Joins Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame’s 2026 class includes the Stanley Brothers, songwriter Paul Overstreet and Tim McGraw, while attention is turning to dozens of eligible artists who could be inducted next. The Hall generally selects one Modern Era artist, one Veterans Era artist and a third inductee from a rotating category; eligibility depends on how long an artist has been prominent, and many younger stars are considered too early in their careers. Lists of prospective inductees weigh artists’ influence, awards and career longevity, with candidates ranging from likely choices to long shots. A CMA Horizon or New Artist of the Year nomination has also been one path to future Hall membership: 14 nominees have been inducted, including McGraw, and nine of those 14 never won the award.