Some of the nominees for 2026 Grammys in the Gospel categories may be surprising. The 2025 nominees for the Grammy Awards in the gospel and Christian music categories spotlight a powerful mix of veteran voices and rising talents. This year’s nominees represent the full breadth of gospel with respect gor the old and an embrace of the new.
(These surprises have nothing to do with the level and qaulity of talentt, but timing.)
The first standout is this year's American Idol Jamal Roberts' djrat Grammy nomination. He us nominatws dor yge song "Still" recorded in collaborarion with Jonathan McReynolds. The song was releasws in the Summer and it made the cut.
Darrel Walls getting recognized with two nominations a short while aftee his project was released may also come as a surprise. Walls' debut solo EP “Heart of Mine,” which was released this past summer, is nominated for Best Gospel Album, and his song “Amazing” is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. The 2026 nominations were announced on Nov. 7, and Walls said he was shocked when he found out.
Here is how the Recording Academy explains the rules:
"This year’s eligibility period includes recordings released between Aug. 31, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2025. The final round of GRAMMY voting, which will determine GRAMMY winners, will take place Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026."
Thesw rulea clearly explain why songs that may not be populat with the masses can be chosen and conversely why well known music coukd miss the opporrunity. The recording mist make the submission winfow. Not only that, artists and management must lobby for member support to get votes.
I congratulate the nominees and look forward to reporting on the excitement.
Hwre aee all od the Gospel ans Chriatian nominees for this year.
Best Gospel Performance Song
This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best traditional Christian, roots gospel or contemporary gospel single or track.
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 III, 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 Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“I Know a Name” — Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters
“Your Way’s Better” — Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & Pera, songwriters
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” — Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Jason Bradley Deford & Brandon Lake, songwriters
“Headphones” — Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Tyshane Thompson, Bongo ByTheWay, Michael Render, Lecrae Moore, William Roderick Miller & Clifford Harris, songwriters
“Amazing” — Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls, songwriters
Best Gospel Album
Sunny Days — Yolanda Adams
Tasha — Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Live Breathe Fight — Tamela Mann
Only On The Road (Live) — Tye Tribbett
Heart Of Mine — Darrel Walls, PJ Morton
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
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
Best Roots Gospel Album
I Will Not Be Moved (Live) — The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Then Came The Morning — Gaither Vocal Band
Praise & Worship: More Than a Hollow Hallelujah — The Isaacs
Good Answers — Karen Peck & New River
The GRAMMY Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sun, Feb. 1, 2026, and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+* at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the Telecast, the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony® will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel. The 2026 GRAMMY Awards will be produced by Fulwell Entertainment for the Recording Academy. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor and Jesse Collins are executive producers."
Back To My Roots — Candi Staton