Billy Strings Named Entertainer of the Year at the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards presented by Get It Played
Photo Credit: Ed Rode
Photo Credit: Daniel Schram
From left to right: Kimber Ludiker, Deanie Richardson, Ken White, Jim Lauderdale, Del McCoury, Billy Strings, Gena Britt, Steve Martin, Kristin Scott Benson, Missy Raines, Alison Brown, Sierra Hull, Tristan Scroggins, Justin Moses
Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland take home Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Collaborative Recording of the Year honors
NASHVILLE, TN (September 18, 2025) – Bluegrass innovator and superstar Billy Strings was named Entertainer of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards presented by Get It Played. This is his fourth Entertainer of the Year award; his past wins came in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Revered bluegrass virtuosos Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland’s “Outrun the Rain” picked up two awards, Song of the Year and Collaborative Recording of the Year. The song is from their 2025 Carter & Cleveland album, which won Album of the Year.
The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Show, co-hosted by Steve Martin and Alison Brown, was held at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The full list of 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards recipients:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings
SONG OF THE YEAR
Outrun the Rain – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland
Songwriters: Terry Herd/Jimmy Yeary
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Carter & Cleveland – Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Authentic Unlimited
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Travelin’ McCourys
GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
He’s Gone – Jaelee Roberts
Songwriter: Kelsi Harrigill
Producer: Byron House
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Ralph’s Banjo Special – Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt & Alison Brown
Songwriter: Ralph Stanley
Producer: Alison Brown
Label: Compass Records
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Red Camel Collective
COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Outrun the Rain – Jason Carter, Michael Cleveland, Jaelee Roberts & Vince Gill
Songwriters: Terry Herd/Jimmy Yeary
Producers: Jason Carter/Michael Cleveland
Label: Fiddle Man Records
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Greg Blake
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kristin Scott Benson
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Vickie Vaughn
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Maddie Denton
RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Justin Moses
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Trey Hensley
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Sierra Hull
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
The Auctioneer – The Kody Norris Show
Songwriters: Leroy Van Dyke/Buddy Black
Producer: James Gilley
Videographer: Nate Wiles
Label: Rebel Records
During the Awards Show, the 2025 inductees into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame were honored: pioneering bluegrass band Hot Rize, The Bluegrass Cardinals, celebrated for its flawless harmonies, virtuoso playing, and original material, and influential African American musician Arnold Shultz, whose influence shaped the development of bluegrass music.
Awards are determined by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the nonprofit trade organization that connects and empowers bluegrass professionals.
IBMA World of Bluegrass®, in partnership with Chattanooga Tourism Co. and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, runs September 16-20, 2025. The week, the most important in bluegrass music, encompasses four events: the IBMA Business Conference, Sept. 16-18 at the Chattanooga Convention Center; the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, an innovative series of showcases taking place Sept. 16-18 in local Chattanooga venues; the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, scheduled for Thursday evening, Sept. 18; and IBMA Bluegrass Live!®, Sept. 19-20, a two-day festival of live performances and fan experiences.
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About the IBMA:
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide. The organization hosts IBMA World of Bluegrass®, an annual event featuring a business conference, showcases, awards show, and street festival highlighting the best in bluegrass talent. The event supports the IBMA and the IBMA Trust Fund. Other special IBMA initiatives include the IBMA International Band Performance Grant, Leadership Bluegrass, and Kids on Bluegrass. Learn more at ibma.org and worldofbluegrass.org.
About Get It Played:
Get it Played is a service-based membership for musicians, producers, record labels and industry personnel. Their media and radio distribution packages serve as an essential way for artists and labels to get the attention of major mainstream media; reaching genre-specific and mass communication outlets provide key opportunities for both seasoned artists and up-and coming future stars to get their music seen by thousands of different publications & stations. Learn more at https://getitplayed.com/.
About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development:
The TDTD’s goal is to be the global music destination of choice; a diverse American experience offering family fun, outdoor adventure, live entertainment, sporting events, festivals and a showcase of craftsmanship at the crossroads of rich history, local cuisine and renowned scenic beauty. Their mission is to increase the state’s economic viability and support the growth of tourism in all 95 counties by inspiring travel, developing programs and enhancing industry partnerships which drive job creation, tax revenue and new investments, thereby enriching the quality of life for every Tennessean. Learn more at https://www.tn.gov/tourism.html.
About Chattanooga Tourism Co.:
The Chattanooga Tourism Co. promotes and develops visitor experiences that fuel economic growth and enhance the quality of life in the Chattanooga community. They are a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization, along with a 501(c)(3) foundation, responsible for marketing and promoting Chattanooga as a premier travel destination. With the power of tourism lighting the way, Chattanooga Tourism Co. highlights the incredible businesses and organizations that make Chattanooga a must-visit destination for all. Find out more at https://www.visitchattanooga.com/.
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Press/General Info: Elizabeth Dewey, IBMA
[email protected], 615-673-4811
