Imagine being nominated for a Grammy five times, yet never walking away with the coveted award. That’s the reality for Upstate New York’s own Joe Bonamassa, who’s once again in the running for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the Grammy voting system truly recognizing talent, or are repeat nominees like Bonamassa being overlooked for more mainstream acts? Let’s dive in.
The Grammy nominations are out, and Upstate New York is making its mark with at least two contenders. Joe Bonamassa, born in New Hartford and raised in New York Mills, has earned his fifth nomination for his album Breakthrough. This time, he’s up against heavyweights like Samantha Fish’s Paper Doll, Eric Gales’ A Tribute to LJK, Robert Randolph’s Preacher Kids, and Southern Avenue’s Family. Bonamassa’s journey began in Utica at just 12 years old, where he performed as ‘Smokin’ Joe’ and even opened for the legendary B.B. King. Now based in Los Angeles, he’s been nominated in 2013, 2016, 2022, and 2025—but the golden gramophone has always eluded him.
And this is the part most people miss: Bonamassa isn’t alone in his Grammy drought. Mastering engineer Chris Gehringer holds the record with 22 nominations and zero wins, while Syracuse native Post Malone follows closely with 18 nominations and no trophies. Gehringer is back in the running this year for Record of the Year with his work on Rosé & Bruno Mars’ APT. Meanwhile, Post Malone wasn’t eligible this time around, as he didn’t release new music during the August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025, eligibility period.
Another Upstate New York talent, Elaine Martone, is also in the spotlight. The Rochester native and Ithaca College alumna is nominated for Producer of the Year, Classical, after winning the category two years in a row. Martone’s work with the Cleveland Orchestra and other artists has earned her this nod, alongside nominees like Blanton Alspaugh and Sergei Kvitko. With six Grammy wins out of 14 nominations—including awards for Best Surround Sound Album and Best Choral Performance—Martone is no stranger to success. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Does her consistent recognition in classical music overshadow other genres that struggle to break through?
Martone’s journey began in Rochester, where she graduated from Ithaca College in 1979 with a bachelor’s in music. Today, she lives in Cleveland, working for the Telarc record label, founded by her husband, Robert Woods. Her impressive career includes a Latin Grammy win, further cementing her legacy in the industry.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on February 1st on CBS and Paramount+, broadcasting from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. As we cheer for Upstate New York’s finest, it’s worth asking: Who do you think deserves to win this year? And more importantly, does the Grammy system truly celebrate the best in music, or is it time for a change? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
