The Emorys Win 2026 Bluegrass Showdown at Bluegrass First Class

Family band from Asheville takes top prize at annual talent competition

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Emorys, a family bluegrass band from Asheville, North Carolina, won the 2026 Bluegrass Showdown at the 31st annual Bluegrass First Class festival in Asheville. The band, consisting of siblings Mariah, Hannah, and triplets Judah, Abigail, and Elisabeth, along with their mother on vocals, has been performing together for four years. They were awarded the top prize after competing against five other bands from across the region.

Why it matters

The Bluegrass Showdown is a long-running talent competition that has helped launch the careers of several notable bluegrass acts over the years, including New Vintage, Tina Adair, and the Ohop Valley Boys. The Emorys' win highlights the continued vitality of the bluegrass genre and the emergence of talented new acts, while also showcasing the festival's role in supporting and promoting the next generation of bluegrass musicians.

The details

The Bluegrass Showdown competition was held on Thursday night on the Showcase stage of the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville. Five bands competed for the top prize, including Pickety Split from Charlotte, Free Rein Bluegrass Band from Maynardville, TN, North State Grass from Charlotte, the Emorys from Asheville, and Creekwater Collective from Pickens, SC. The all-star panel of judges included Ricky Stroud, Darin Aldridge, Greg Blake, Darrell Webb, Jon Essick, and Carol Rifkin.

  • The Bluegrass Showdown competition was held on Thursday night, February 13, 2026.
  • Bluegrass First Class is celebrating its 31st year in 2026.

The players

The Emorys

A family bluegrass band from Asheville, North Carolina, consisting of siblings Mariah (18, guitar/mandolin), Hannah (21, mandolin/fiddle/guitar), and triplets Judah (25, cajon), Abigail (25, bass guitar), and Elisabeth (25, banjo), along with their mother on vocals.

Milton Harkey

The promoter of Bluegrass First Class and the Bluegrass Showdown talent competition, which he first spearheaded in the 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“All my emotions were so mixed together. I didn't know if I was going to pass out or fly up to Heaven. I was overwhelmed in a good way.”

— Elisabeth Emory, Eldest of the Emory triplets (Bluegrass Today)

“What was funny is there was a big crowd last night, and we were standing at the back. When they announced the winner, we didn't hear it. My husband [Phillip] heard, but none of the rest of us did. The next thing I know is they say, 'Let's have the Emorys come up and play a few more songs.' I thought, 'Why are we playing again?'”

— Melanie Emory, Mother of the Emory family (Bluegrass Today)

“We are happy to be bringing back The Bluegrass Showdown. This is the largest crowd here on Thursday night at Bluegrass First Class that we have had in quite some time, and It is a fantastic kick off for The Showdown.”

— Milton Harkey, Promoter of Bluegrass First Class and Bluegrass Showdown (Bluegrass Today)

What’s next

The festival continues today with professional groups on the main stage of the Expo Center, featuring the Lonesome River Band, Appalachian Road Show, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, and 501 Central. Saturday's lineup includes the King James Boys, Cipollari, Olivia Jo, the Malpass Brothers, the Grascals, and Authentic Unlimited.

The takeaway

The Emorys' victory at the Bluegrass Showdown demonstrates the continued vitality and talent emerging within the bluegrass music scene. The festival's long-running talent competition has helped launch the careers of many notable acts, and this year's win by the family band from Asheville highlights the importance of such platforms in supporting the next generation of bluegrass musicians.