On the eve of music’s grandest celebration, there’s a quieter yet equally powerful tradition that steals the spotlight—the Americana Music Association’s Grammy Eve concert at the iconic Troubadour in West Hollywood. This annual event stands in stark contrast to the glitzy ‘Clive party,’ offering a heartfelt tribute to legendary singer-songwriters. Over nearly two decades, the AMA has honored giants like John Prine, Paul Simon, and Willie Nelson, leaving fans to wonder who’s next. But here’s where it gets controversial: could anyone truly top the impact of Neil Young?
This year, Neil Young took center stage, and the night’s emcee, Molly Jenson, jokingly suggested, ‘It’s gonna be Neil Young next year, too. Every year, moving forward.’ While said in jest, the idea isn’t far-fetched. Young’s six-decade career has been a masterclass in consistency and innovation. The 21-song setlist leaned into his most beloved classics, steering clear of deep cuts like ‘Trans.’ Yet, each performance felt fresh, whether reimagined in rootsy subgenres or staying true to Young’s signature style.
The lineup was a who’s-who of Americana and Grammy contenders, including I’m With Her, Jesse Welles, Margo Price, Rhiannon Giddens, Sierra Hull, Maggie Rose, and Grace Potter. Returning favorites like Milk Carton Kids and Chris Pierce joined newcomers such as Young the Giant, making the $200 ticket (a benefit for MusiCares and the AMA) a hot commodity. A free livestream ensured everyone could experience the magic, though nothing compared to being there in person.
And this is the part most people miss: Rhiannon Giddens’ performance of ‘Comes a Time’ wasn’t just a musical moment—it was a powerful statement on race and history. Accompanied by Justin Robinson and Justin Harrington, Giddens’ banjo-and-fiddle rendition transformed the song into a call to remember America’s past. Her ‘Ice Out’ chant and button bearing the demand left the audience in awe, proving music’s ability to stir both emotion and thought.
Chris Pierce’s rendition of ‘Southern Man’ was the night’s undisputed highlight. Unlike others, Pierce has long made the song his own, infusing it with personal relevance and urgency. His performance was a visceral, edge-of-your-seat experience, leaving the audience breathless. Is it too bold to say no other 2026 performance will match it?
The Milk Carton Kids and I’m With Her joined forces for a stunning ‘Harvest Moon,’ blending their harmonies in a way that felt like an Avengers-level collaboration. Earlier, the Milk Carton Kids’ whisper-quiet ‘Heart of Gold’ and I’m With Her’s soothing ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ showcased their ability to strip songs to their emotional core.
Margo Price’s twangy ‘Love Is a Rose’ and Keith Secor’s fiddle-driven ‘Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere’ celebrated Young’s country roots, while Molly Tuttle’s ‘Helpless’ and Sierra Hull’s mandolin-laced ‘Look Out for My Love’ highlighted the night’s female virtuosity. Even Young’s pop side got a nod, with Molly Jenson’s cover of Nicolette Larson’s ‘Lotta Love’ bringing a 1978 hit back to life.
The energy shifted with Katie Pruitt’s haunting ‘Ohio’ and Maggie Rose’s electrifying ‘Down by the River,’ proving the night wasn’t just about introspection. Grace Potter’s joyful ‘Cinnamon Girl’ and Leif’s fiery ‘Powderfinger’ added rock flair, while Jesse Welles’ raspy ‘After the Gold Rush’ and Young the Giant’s tender ‘Old Man’ showcased the songs’ timelessness.
The Americana Music Association consistently delivers two of the year’s best concerts—their September awards show in Nashville and this intimate Troubadour gig. But here’s the question: does the Americana movement’s emphasis on ‘real singers playing real instruments’ come off as morally superior? While it’s easy to revel in the raw emotion and skill on display, is it fair to compare it to more choreographed acts? Whether you agree or disagree, one thing’s certain: this night was pure magic. Long may it run—and here’s hoping for a Neil Young Part II next year.
Setlist for the AmericanaFest Pre-Grammy Salute to the Songs of Neil Young, Troubadour, West Hollywood, Jan. 31, 2026:
1. ‘Are You Ready for the Country’ — house band
2. ‘Field of Opportunity’ — Evangeline
3. ‘On the Way Home’ — Alex Amen
4. ‘Comes a Time’ — Rhiannon Giddens
5. ‘Heart of Gold’ — Milk Carton Kids
6. ‘Look Out for My Love’ — Sierra Hull
7. ‘Powderfinger’ — Leif
8. ‘Lotta Love’ — Molly Jenson
9. ‘Southern Man’ — Chris Pierce
10. ‘Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere’ — Keith Secor
11. ‘Love Is a Rose’ — Margo Price
12. ‘Helpless’ — Molly Tuttle with Ketch Secor
13. ‘Down by the River’ — Maggie Rose
14. ‘Ohio’ — Katie Pruitt
15. ‘Old Man’ — Young the Giant
16. ‘My, My, Hey, Hey’ — Gold Star
17. ‘After the Gold Rush’ — Jesse Welles
18. ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ — I’m With Her
19. ‘Harvest Moon’ — I’m With Her and Milk Carton Kids
20. ‘Cinnamon Girl’ — Leif and Grace Potter
21. ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ — Jesse Welles, Maggie Rose, Leif, and cast
What’s your take? Does Neil Young deserve another year in the spotlight, or is it time to honor someone new? Share your thoughts below!
