PITTSBURGH, PA / NASHVILLE, TN — July 25, 2026 — MTS Management Group and MTS Records are proud to announce an extraordinary showing at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards, earning more than 30 nominations spanning artist, album, song, video, musician, songwriter, label, and promotional categories. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place September 20th at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee.
Widely recognized as one of the premier celebrations of independent music worldwide, the Josie Music Awards honor excellence across every genre, recognizing artists and industry professionals whose creativity, dedication, and artistry continue to shape today’s independent music landscape.
This year’s nominees represent an impressive cross-section of the MTS family, highlighting achievements in country, Americana, folk, Christian, rock, pop, and instrumental music.
Among the nominees is acclaimed Christian recording artist Eddy Mann, who received nominations for Artist of the Year – Christian/Gospel/Inspirational and Album of the Year – Christian/Gospel/Inspirational, continuing his celebrated career of faith-centered music.
Canadian singer-songwriter Cory M. Coons earned nominations for Artist of the Year – Americana/Folk (Male), EP of the Year – Multi-Genre, and Songwriter Achievement, recognizing another standout year of songwriting and performance.
Fellow Canadian artist Alex Krawczyk received nominations for Artist of the Year – Americana/Folk (Female) and Album of the Year – Multi Genre, while Americana favorite Pam Ross collected nominations for Vocalist of the Year – Americana, Album of the Year – Multi Genre, and Songwriter Achievement.
Ohio rock duo Eleyet McConnell continues its remarkable momentum with nominations for Duo of the Year, Song of the Year – Country Rock/Southern Rock/Outlaw Country, Album of the Year – Modern Country/Pop Country, Music Video of the Year – Performance, and Songwriter Achievement. Frontwoman Angie McConnell also earned recognition as Vocalist of the Year – Multi Genre Female (Alumni), while bassist Chris McConnell received a nomination for Musician of the Year (Bass).
Pittsburgh favorites Noble Hops earned an impressive four nominations, including Group of the Year – Rock Genre Mix, Song of the Year – Rock Duo/Group, Fan’s Choice (Duo/Group), and recognition for their continued impact on the independent rock scene.
Country traditionalist Robert Ross received nominations for Vocalist of the Year – Country Male (Alumni) and Song of the Year – Country Male, while Dust and Grace earned a nomination for Song of the Year – Country (Duo/Collaboration).
Additional nominees include:
- Baldy Crawlers – Song of the Year – Folk/Americana and Social Impact Song of the Year – Folk/Americana
- Midnight Sky – Album of the Year – Folk/Americana (Duo/Group)
- Ken Holt – Album of the Year – Folk/Americana (Artist)
- The Perfect Storm – Album of the Year – Pop/Contemporary
- Bernadett Nyari – Album of the Year – Instrumental and Musician of the Year (Violin)
Beyond the artist nominations, MTS also received recognition for its work behind the scenes, with MTS Management Group nominated for PR/Promotions and MTS Records nominated for Record Label, honoring years of dedication to developing and promoting independent artists across multiple genres.
“This year’s nominations are a tremendous honor and a testament to the incredible talent we have the privilege of working alongside every day,” said Michael Stover, President of MTS Management Group and MTS Records. “To see so many artists, musicians, songwriters, and our entire team recognized by the Josie Music Awards is incredibly rewarding. Independent music continues to thrive because of passionate creators, dedicated fans, and organizations like the JMAs that celebrate excellence on every level. We’re proud of every nominee and look forward to celebrating with the entire independent music community in Nashville this September.”
The 12th Annual Josie Music Awards will be held September 20, 2026, at the historic Grand Ole Opry House, bringing together independent artists, songwriters, producers, musicians, and industry professionals from around the globe for an evening celebrating the very best in independent music.
Complete List of MTS-Affiliated Josie Music Awards Nominations
- Artist of the Year – Christian/Gospel/Inspirational: Eddy Mann
- Artist of the Year – Americana/Folk (Male): Cory M. Coons
- Artist of the Year – Americana/Folk (Female): Alex Krawczyk
- Group of the Year – Rock Genre Mix: Noble Hops
- Duo of the Year: Eleyet McConnell
- Vocalist of the Year – Multi Genre Female (Alumni): Angie McConnell
- Vocalist of the Year – Country Male (Alumni): Robert Ross
- Vocalist of the Year – Americana: Pam Ross
- Song of the Year – Rock Duo/Group: Noble Hops
- Song of the Year – Folk/Americana: Baldy Crawlers
- Song of the Year – Country Rock/Southern Rock/Outlaw Country: Eleyet McConnell
- Song of the Year – Country (Duo/Collaboration): Dust and Grace
- Song of the Year – Country Male: Robert Ross
- Album of the Year – Folk/Americana (Duo/Group): Midnight Sky
- Album of the Year – Folk/Americana (Artist): Ken Holt
- Album of the Year – Pop/Contemporary: The Perfect Storm
- Album of the Year – Instrumental: Bernadett Nyari
- Album of the Year – Christian/Gospel/Inspirational: Eddy Mann
- Album of the Year – Modern Country/Pop Country: Eleyet McConnell
- Album of the Year – Multi Genre: Alex Krawczyk, Pam Ross
- EP of the Year – Multi-Genre: Cory M. Coons
- Music Video of the Year – Performance: Eleyet McConnell
- Social Impact Song of the Year – Folk/Americana: Baldy Crawlers
- Fan’s Choice (Duo/Group): Noble Hops
- Musician of the Year (Bass): Chris McConnell
- Musician of the Year (Violin): Bernadett Nyari
- PR/Promotions: MTS Management Group
- Record Label: MTS Records
- Songwriter Achievement: Cory M. Coons, Pam Ross, Eleyet McConnell
About MTS Management Group
Founded in 2010 by Michael Stover, MTS Management Group is an award-winning artist management, publicity, promotions, and record label company dedicated to developing independent artists around the world. Through MTS Records, the company has achieved hundreds of radio chart successes, multiple iTunes chart-topping releases, Billboard-charting projects, and industry recognition while representing artists across country, rock, Americana, Christian, pop, folk, and beyond. https://www.mtsmanagementgroup.com