Music

All Things Grammy 2026: Gospel Music Celebrates: Complete Grammy Nominations Across All Gospel Categories

Published

2 months ago

January 11, 2026

The gospel music community is rejoicing as the Recording Academy announced nominations for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, with dozens of beloved artists receiving recognition across multiple gospel categories. From chart-topping singles to powerful live albums, the 2026 nominations showcase the incredible breadth and depth of contemporary gospel music.

Pastor Mike Jr. Makes Grammy History

Multi-Stellar Award-winning gospel artist Pastor Mike Jr. is celebrating a major career milestone—his very first Grammy nomination! The dynamic worship leader received a nod in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category for his chart-topping hit “Amen” .

Released in January 2025, “Amen” is a raw and uplifting anthem of faith, breakthrough, and perseverance that resonates deeply with Pastor Mike Jr.’s signature style . The song has achieved tremendous success, soaring to No. 1 on both the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart and Billboard’s National Gospel Airplay chart .

“We’re incredibly grateful,” said Pastor Mike Jr. “This nomination is a testament to everyone who’s walked through this journey; from my church family to the fans who let this song live in their hearts. God is moving, and he’s the reason for this moment” .

Best Gospel Performance/Song – The Nominees

This category celebrates the best vocal or instrumental gospel performances and songwriting. The 2026 nominees represent gospel royalty :

“Do It Again” – Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter
“Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters
“Still (Live)” – Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing II, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters
“Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters
“Come Jesus Come” – CeCe Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Best Gospel Album – A Powerhouse Lineup

This category honors albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional or contemporary/R&B gospel music. The 2026 nominees are :

Sunny Days – Yolanda Adams The legendary Yolanda Adams returns with a fresh collection showcasing her signature vocal power and inspirational messaging.
Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard The self-titled project from one of gospel’s most dominant voices, featuring powerful worship anthems.
Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann The Grammy-nominated album from the beloved actress and singer, celebrating resilience and faith. This project has already earned Mann significant acclaim and was featured in our previous coverage of her upcoming 2026 tour with husband David Mann.
Only On The Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett Captured in the energetic atmosphere of live worship, Tribbett delivers his trademark high-energy praise.
Heart Of Mine – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton A collaboration bringing together Walls’ pastoral heart and Morton’s musical genius .

Best Roots Gospel Album – Honoring Tradition

This category celebrates traditional gospel music at its finest :

I Will Not Be Moved (Live) – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir The renowned choir delivers a powerful live recording of traditional gospel favorites.
Then Came The Morning – Gaither Vocal Band The legendary vocal group continues their tradition of excellence with this latest offering.

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

While technically a CCM category, several gospel-adjacent artists received nominations :

“I Know a Name” – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake
“Your Way’s Better” – Forrest Frank
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll
“Headphones” – Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; featuring hip-hop elements with gospel messaging
“Amazing” – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton (also nominated in gospel categories)

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

The CCM album category features :

Child of God II – Forrest Frank
Coritos Vol. 1 – Israel & New Breed
King Of Hearts – Brandon Lake
Reconstruction – Lecrae
Let The Church Sing – Tauren Wells

Celebrating Gospel Excellence

These nominations represent the incredible diversity within gospel music—from traditional choir anthems to contemporary worship experiences, from established legends to breakthrough artists. Several artists received multiple nominations across categories:

Tasha Cobbs Leonard: Nominated for both Best Gospel Performance/Song (“Church”) and Best Gospel Album (Tasha)
Darrel Walls & PJ Morton: Nominated for Best Gospel Album (Heart Of Mine), Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (“Amazing”), and Best Roots Gospel Album consideration
Lecrae: Bridging gospel and CCM with nominations in Contemporary Christian categories

Notable Moments

First-Time Nominees:

Pastor Mike Jr. celebrates his first Grammy nomination with “Amen”

Legendary Collaborations:

CeCe Winans teams with gospel icon Shirley Caesar on “Come Jesus Come”
Tasha Cobbs Leonard joins forces with John Legend on “Church”
Brandon Lake collaborates with Jelly Roll on “Hard Fought Hallelujah”

Live Album Recognition:

Multiple live albums showcase the power of gospel in worship settings, including Tye Tribbett’s Only On The Road (Live), Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts’ “Still (Live),” and The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s I Will Not Be Moved (Live)

The Big Picture

What’s clear from this year’s nominations is the beautiful evolution of gospel music. From the traditional sounds of the Gaither Vocal Band to the contemporary worship of Elevation Worship, from the hip-hop influenced work of Lecrae to the classic gospel stylings of Yolanda Adams, the genre continues to expand while staying rooted in its mission to inspire faith and worship.

These nominations also highlight gospel music’s increasing crossover appeal, with collaborations featuring mainstream artists like John Legend and Jelly Roll, and the genre’s influence on contemporary Christian music continuing to grow.

Mark Your Calendars

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 1, 2026 . The ceremony will broadcast live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ .

A Unified Celebration

These nominations represent more than individual achievements—they’re a celebration of gospel music’s continued power to inspire, uplift, and transform lives. From first-time nominees to gospel legends, from traditional choirs to contemporary innovators, the 2026 Grammy nominations showcase that gospel music remains as vital and relevant as ever.

As we await the February 1st ceremony, we encourage the iPraise Radio family to celebrate ALL these nominees and continue supporting gospel music that glorifies God and ministers to hearts around the world.

Congratulations to all the 2026 Grammy nominees across all gospel categories! We’re praying for you and celebrating these incredible achievements that honor both artistic excellence and faithful ministry.

Stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com for complete coverage of the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, including live updates, winner announcements, and post-show interviews.

Complete List of 2026 Gospel Grammy Nominees:

Best Gospel Performance/Song:

Kirk Franklin – “Do It Again”
Tasha Cobbs Leonard & John Legend – “Church”
Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts – “Still (Live)”
Pastor Mike Jr. – “Amen”
CeCe Winans ft. Shirley Caesar – “Come Jesus Come”

Best Gospel Album:

Yolanda Adams – Sunny Days
Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Tasha
Tamela Mann – Live Breathe Fight
Tye Tribbett – Only On The Road (Live)
Darrel Walls, PJ Morton – Heart Of Mine

Best Roots Gospel Album:

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir – I Will Not Be Moved (Live)
Gaither Vocal Band – Then Came The Morning

Music

The 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Are Heading to Charlotte!

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2026

DEWAYNEBENTONLLC

By Gospel Newsroom powered by iPraiseRadio.com

CHARLOTTE, NC — Get ready, Queen City! The biggest night in Gospel music is officially making its way to North Carolina. City leaders and event organizers have announced that the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be hosted in Charlotte, bringing the nation’s premier celebration of faith, music, and culture to the heart of the South.

The exciting partnership was unveiled during a press conference at the Charlotte Convention Center, featuring Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Steve Bagwell, Mayor Vi Lyles, City Council Member Malcolm Graham, and the visionary founder of the Stellar Awards, Don Jackson. To set the tone for what’s to come, the announcement event featured live performances by gospel powerhouse Jekalyn Carr and the legendary John P. Kee & The New Life Community Choir.

A Historic Move to the Queen City

Scheduled for August 15, 2026, the Stellar Awards will transform Charlotte into the epicenter of Gospel music. The move highlights the city’s deep-rooted faith community and its rich ties to Black cultural expression.

“The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is one of the most influential celebrations in gospel music,” city leaders noted, emphasizing that hosting the event places Charlotte on a national stage while providing a significant boost to the local visitor economy.

Produced by Central City Productions, the Stellar Awards have been honoring the genre’s brightest stars since 1985. The 2026 ceremony will be nationally televised on networks including BET, Bounce TV, and the Stellar Network, reaching a combined audience of more than 3.6 million viewers, with millions more engaging across digital platforms.

The Visionary Behind the Stellars: Don Jackson

At the helm of this monumental event is Don Jackson, Founder, Chairman, CEO, and Executive Producer of the Stellar Awards. For over four decades, Jackson has been a trailblazer in Black television programming and a fierce advocate for Gospel music. Through Central City Productions, he created the Stellar Awards to ensure that Gospel artists received the mainstream recognition and high-quality production platforms they deserve. His dedication has helped elevate the genre globally, making the Stellars a highly anticipated annual tradition.

Calling All Artists: Submissions Are Open!

For artists, producers, and creatives looking to be part of Gospel music history, the time is now! The official submission period for the 2026 Stellar Awards is currently open.

Submission Details:

Submission Window: March 2, 2026 – March 13, 2026
Eligibility Period: Projects released between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026.
How to Submit: Visit the official website at www.stellarawards.com to review the updated rules and regulations and complete the online submission form.
Requirement: All entrants (artists, songwriters, producers, directors, etc.) must be current members of the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA).

This year’s updated rules also feature exciting additions, including the reinstatement of the Special Event Album of the Year category and the addition of the HBCU Choir of the Year category.

Mark Your Calendars

As August approaches, fans can expect a week filled with Stellar Plus events, masterclasses, red-carpet glamour, and unforgettable performances leading up to the main taping.

Stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com for all the latest updates, host announcements, and exclusive coverage as the road to the 2026 Stellar Awards in Charlotte begins!

Music

GMA Ushers in March 2026 as the Second Annual Christian Music Month

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2026

DEWAYNEBENTONLLC

By Gospel Newsroom powered by iPraiseRadio.com

NASHVILLE, TN — The Gospel Music Association (GMA) is officially declaring March 2026 as the second annual Christian Music Month, setting the stage for a 31-day celebration of faith, artistry, and the transformative power of Gospel and Christian music.

Building on the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, the GMA aims to significantly boost fan engagement and shine a global spotlight on the genre’s diverse and deeply impactful talent. To elevate this year’s festivities, the GMA has announced an exciting partnership with the Recording Academy to present a special edition of the acclaimed “Positive Vibes Only” performance series.

This exclusive collaboration will feature intimate performances and uplifting moments from some of the industry’s most dynamic voices. Among the heavy hitters slated to appear are chart-topping Christian hip-hop artist KB and multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning worship leader Israel Houghton. Fans can expect an eclectic mix of soul-stirring worship and high-energy anthems that perfectly encapsulate the heart and evolution of Christian music today.

The core mission of Christian Music Month is to connect audiences with the life-changing message of the Gospel through song. By teaming up with the Recording Academy, the GMA is ensuring that the uplifting sounds of artists like KB and Houghton reach an even broader, mainstream audience—spreading hope, joy, and positivity when the world needs it most.

Throughout March, fans are encouraged to actively participate by streaming their favorite artists, discovering new music, attending live events, and sharing how Christian music has impacted their daily lives.

Stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com all month long as we celebrate Christian Music Month with curated playlists, the latest industry updates, and the very best in Gospel music. Let’s make this March a month of unashamed praise and positive vibes only!

Music

Gospel Music Shines at 57th NAACP Image Awards:

Published

1 week ago

March 1, 2026

DEWAYNEBENTONLLC

Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard Take Top Honors

Gospel Newsroom Staff | Powered by iPraiseRadio.com
February 28, 2026

Gospel music legends Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard emerged as the big winners in the gospel categories at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, held Saturday night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. The prestigious ceremony, hosted by comedian Deon Cole and broadcast live on BET and CBS, celebrated outstanding achievements by Black artists and professionals across entertainment.

Gospel Music Takes Center Stage

In a triumphant moment for gospel music, Kirk Franklin claimed the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song award for his powerful single “Do it Again” (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records). The victory underscores Franklin’s continued dominance in the genre and his ability to create music that resonates across generations.

Meanwhile, Tasha Cobbs Leonard made history by winning her first-ever NAACP Image Award, taking home the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album trophy for her critically acclaimed self-titled project “Tasha” (Motown Gospel). Billboard’s Gospel Artist of the Decade received the honor during night two of the virtual pre-show ceremonies.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this honor,” Cobbs Leonard said. “This album represents a season of transformation, faith, and hope. To be recognized by the NAACP Image Awards – alongside so many inspiring artists – fills me with deep gratitude and motivation to continue creating music that uplifts and connects people to God’s love”.

A Star-Studded Gospel Competition

The gospel categories featured an impressive lineup of nominees, showcasing the depth and diversity of contemporary gospel music:

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album nominees included:

Jekalyn X The Legends – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
Live at Maverick City – Maverick City Music (Tribl Records, LLC)
Only on the Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett (Freligious Music)
Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel) – WINNER
The Live Reunion: Washington D.C. – JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise (James Town Music)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song nominees included:

“Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard feat. John Legend (Motown Gospel)
“Constant – Live” – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore, Anthony Gargiula (Tribl Records)
“Do it Again” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records) – WINNER
“Don’t Faint” – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
“Jesus I Do” – Mariah Carey feat. The Clark Sisters (gamma.)

Cobbs Leonard’s Banner Year

This NAACP Image Award caps off an extraordinary season for Tasha Cobbs Leonard, which included two 2026 Grammy nominations, multiple #1 chart placements, and a historic late-night television appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside EGOT-winner John Legend. With over 5 billion career streams and now her first NAACP Image Award, Cobbs Leonard continues to break boundaries and cement her status as one of the most powerful, versatile, and essential voices in music.

A Night of Excellence

The 57th NAACP Image Awards recognized exceptional talent across all categories, with special honors going to Chairman’s Award recipient Viola Davis and President’s Award recipient Colman Domingo. The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, with NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson honoring the civil rights activist.

Additionally, Salt-n-Pepa and DJ Spinderella were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, while A$AP Rocky was honored with the Vanguard Award for Fashion at Friday’s Reception & Fashion Show.

Complete 2026 NAACP Image Awards Winners List

MAJOR AWARDS

Entertainer of the Year
Michael B. Jordan

Outstanding Motion Picture
Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Michael B. Jordan – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Drama Series
Reasonable Doubt

Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary

MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Album
“Am I The Drama?” – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Female Artist
Cardi B (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Male Artist
Kendrick Lamar (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

Outstanding New Artist
Lee Vasi – “Love Me to Life” (Capitol CMG/Leeda Music Group)

Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song
“Errtime” – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Outstanding Jazz Album
“We Insist! 2025” – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell (Candid Records)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
“Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Masterworks, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)

Outstanding International Song
“Is It” – Tyla (Epic Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
“Tasha” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel) WINNER

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“Do it Again” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records) WINNER

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
803Fresh feat. Fantasia – “Boots on the Ground Remix” (Snake Eyez Music Group/Artist Partner Group)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher – “It Depends (Remix)” (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film
“Sinners (Original Motion Picture Score)” (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)

PODCAST AWARDS

Outstanding Podcast – News and Information
“The Don Lemon Show” (Lemon Media Network)

Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help
“IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” (Higher Ground)

Outstanding Podcast – Scripted/Limited Series/Short Form
“Interesting Things with JC” (Jim Connors LLC)

For more gospel music news and inspiration, stay tuned to Gospel Newsroom, powered by iPraiseRadio.com – Your source for the latest in gospel music, ministry, and faith-based entertainment.

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Editor’s Note: Submissions for the 57th NAACP Image Awards were received online from September 16 to November 7, 2025, with public online voting running from January 12 to February 7, 2026. The ceremony took place on February 28, 2026, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, with portions livestreamed beginning February 26, 2026.