Music
Gospel Music Shines at 57th NAACP Image Awards:
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)
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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.