Article Contributed by Mike
Published on 2026-10-24
Mountain Home congratulates its artists Andy Leftwich, Bryan Sutton, Jaelee Roberts, and Kristin Scott Benson, who each took home trophies at the 37th Annual International Bluegrass Music Association Awards in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on October 22.
In the spring, Andy Leftwich’s album, Aced, showed off his masterful fiddling, demonstrating why his technical precision and musical versatility have made him one of the most respected players by colleagues, peers, and listeners. Now, he’s been named Fiddle Player of the Year for the very first time, a well-deserved recognition.
Leftwich, who’s always loved the art of composing and arranging instrumental music, has long been among the foremost practitioners of modern, forward-facing yet traditionally-based string music, and is likely one of the most recorded fiddle players of the 21st century. Leftwich has performed, recorded, and toured with artists such as Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Dailey & Vincent, Bruce Hornsby, and many more.
“Last night, my dream came true! It’s hard to put into words how much winning Fiddle Player of the Year means to me. It’s a title that I don’t take lightly,” says Leftwich. “When I think about all of the amazing fiddlers who have won this prestigious award and that my name is now a part of it, it’s just hard to comprehend, and it’s something that I will take with me the rest of my life. I’m forever grateful for the way IBMA celebrates musicians and the role they play in Bluegrass music. The community that we have is unlike any other. We celebrate one another, encourage each other, learn from each other, and we push each other to keep pressing on to reach higher levels on our craft, all because of this wonderful music we all play. I hope that I can be a good steward of this honor that I’ve been given, and my deepest gratitude to all who voted for me. It means more than you’ll ever know! To God be the Glory!”
Bryan Sutton — Music Video of the Year, “The Devil Went Down to Deep Gap”
The music video for “The Devil Went Down to Deep Gap”—a collaboration featuring hot acoustic and screaming electric guitar solos from Bryan Sutton and his good friend, GRAMMY-winner Billy Strings, that reimagines the iconic track to tell the legend of Doc Watson—is a surreal, animated visual translation of their scorching six-string duel, with a just-right transposition of featured guest Del McCoury’s famous pompadour onto his character, the Devil, and including affectionate representations of the entire band on the track: Sutton, Strings, T. Michael Coleman, Sam Bush, and Jerry Roe.
“I kept thinking about having it just as a song to be released,” Sutton recalls. “It didn't seem like enough! So, I found Pat Bradley, a great animator in Virginia, who agreed to do his thing with the song.”
“Thanks very much to the IBMA and everyone who voted for the video,” he continues. “From the initial conception to release, this video project was so enjoyable. I’m thankful for everyone who was a part of it.”
Jaelee Roberts — Female Vocalist of the Year
Jaelee Roberts, whose expressive and powerful voice has placed her among bluegrass’s most beloved talents, was named Female Vocalist of the Year for the second time. First awarded in 2024, Roberts, who also performs with powerhouse group Sister Sadie, has continued to wow audiences with her ability to deliver power and tenderness, honesty and feeling each time she sings. Roberts also performed three times during the awards show, with Sister Sadie, the Grascals, and Patty Loveless.
“Winning IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year is truly a dream come true. Since I was a little girl I’ve dreamed of moments like this, and it’s hard to put into words what this means to me,” Roberts says. “First, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving me a love of music. I want to always honor Him in all that I do.”
“Alison, Heather, Sierra, and AJ… just seeing my name alongside yours was an honor in itself. I look up to and admire each of you, and being recognized among you is something I’ll never take for granted,” she continues. “Thank you to the IBMA voting members and everyone who has believed in me, encouraged me, and supported me along the way. A very special thank you to my mom and dad for always believing in me, to my bandmates in Sister Sadie, to Mountain Home, and everyone who plays and sings on my solo recordings.”
“I’m so grateful to do what I love and to be part of this bluegrass family. I have so many more songs I want to sing for y’all!”
Kristin Scott Benson — Banjo Player of the Year
Kristin Scott Benson was named Banjo Player of the Year for an unprecedented eighth time.
Kristin, a South Carolina native, is known for her impeccable taste, timing, and tone—and is now the winningest player in the category across the nearly 40-year history of the IBMA Awards. In 2018, she was awarded the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, which seeks to bring recognition to outstanding accomplishment in the field.
In addition to playing with the Grascals, Kristin records for Mountain Home with her husband, Wayne, for their duo, Benson. This distinctive collaboration serves to bring a shared musical vision of the Bensons to life and puts their instrumental mastery and thoughtful artistry on display.
“During an interview this week,” Kristin says, “someone asked me, ‘What would you tell your younger musical self?’ My answer was to try to relax and worry less, because things are gonna go better than you ever dreamed.”
“The Lord, my family, and so, so many people have allowed me a life full of banjo,” she continues, “and I could not be more grateful. It's all I ever wanted. Gratitude abounds!”
About Mountain Home Music Company
Mountain Home Music Company, a division of Crossroads Label Group, is a premier Bluegrass label with global distribution, representing such elite artists as Lonesome River Band, Balsam Range, Bryan Sutton, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, Kristin Scott Benson, Unspoken Tradition, Carley Arrowood, Mark Stoffel, Jaelee Roberts, Andy Leftwich, Benson, Ashby Frank, Jesse Smathers, Vickie Vaughn, Eighteen Mile and James Kee. Established in 1993, Crossroads is a market leader in the Bluegrass, Americana, and Christian Music fields.
