Gospel Music Shines Bright: Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Kirk Franklin Lead 2026 NAACP Image Award Nominations

By iPraiseRadio.com Staff
January 14, 2026

Gospel music continues to demonstrate its profound cultural impact and artistic excellence as the NAACP announced nominations for the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards, with powerhouse artists Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Kirk Franklin earning multiple nods in the prestigious gospel categories.

Double Recognition for Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Grammy-winning worship leader Tasha Cobbs Leonard is celebrating a remarkable achievement with two nominations. Her collaboration with legendary artist John Legend on “Church” earned a nomination for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song, while her latest album “Tasha” is competing for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album.

The Motown Gospel artist’s nominations underscore her continued influence in bridging traditional gospel with contemporary worship music, reaching audiences across generational and denominational lines.

Kirk Franklin Returns to the Field

Gospel icon Kirk Franklin, whose partnership with Insignia Assets and Tribl Records was announced last year, received a nomination for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for “Do It Again”. The nod marks another milestone in Franklin’s decades-long career of pushing gospel music into mainstream consciousness while maintaining its spiritual foundation.

A Powerful Lineup of Gospel Excellence

The Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song category showcases the diversity and innovation within contemporary gospel music. Joining Cobbs Leonard and Franklin are:

• Maverick City Music featuring Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore, and Anthony Gargiula for “Constant – Live” (Tribl Records)
• Jekalyn Carr for “Don’t Faint” (Waynorth Music)
• Mariah Carey featuring The Clark Sisters for “Jesus I Do” (gamma.)

The Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album category features an equally impressive roster:

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

Tribl Records’ Banner Year

The nominations represent significant recognition for Tribl Records, which was recently named the #1 Gospel Label of 2025 by Billboard. The label earned four nominations across the gospel categories, including nods for Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin.

Celebrating Black Excellence and Spiritual Expression

“The NAACP Image Awards are all about the power and excellence of Black creativity, so this recognition is deeply meaningful,” said EJ Gaines, Chief Strategy Officer of Insignia Assets, which includes Tribl Records in its portfolio.

The gospel categories reflect what the NAACP describes as “the continued crossover influence of gospel and Christian music, highlighting collaborations that bridge worship, gospel tradition, and mainstream culture while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation”.

How to Support Your Favorite Artists

Public online voting for select performance categories is currently open and runs through February 7, 2026, on the Image Awards website at NAACPImageAwards.net.

Mark Your Calendars

The 57th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET, with a simulcast on CBS. The ceremony will be hosted by Deon Cole from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California.

This year’s theme is “We See You,” emphasizing the visibility and celebration of Black excellence across all creative fields.

For more gospel music news and updates, stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com. For the complete list of nominees and to vote, visit NAACPImageAwards.net.