Category: News

CeCe Winans’ global legacy grows through record-breaking tour, international honors & humanitarian work

CeCe Winans: African leg of More Than This World Tour

(Los Angeles, CA) – CeCe Winans continues to stand as one of the most commanding voices in music, building on a legacy defined by both critical acclaim, spiritual impact, and heartfelt service. Her latest More Than This World Tour has expanded into a global phenomenon, marking her first international tour in more than a decade and reinforcing her influence as both an artist and evangelist.

The international tour spanned 11 countries across 3 continents, drawing more than 100,000 people worldwide. Highlights included:

  • Kingston, Jamaica – over 20,000 in attendance, where she was honored with the Key to the City and an official Mayoral Citation from Mayor Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to gospel music and her life-changing global influence.
  • Port of Spain, Trinidad – a sold-out crowd of more than 12,500.
  • Africa – her first tour across the continent in over a decade, where a 7-city run drew nearly 50,000 people in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Kenya.

The Africa leg of the tour ended with a deeply personal moment in Nairobi, Kenya, where Winans partnered with Compassion International to visit a local church and deliver food and toiletries to a family in need, underscoring her commitment to ministry beyond the stage.

Reflecting on the experience, Winans shared:

Walking into concerts filled with people from every corner of the world singing these songs of faith was overwhelming. This tour has reminded me that music truly transcends borders. It unites us, strengthens us, and draws us closer to God. And being able to step off the stage and serve communities, like my time in Kenya with Compassion International, was a powerful reminder that this calling is always bigger than me.

By the end of 2025, Winans will have performed more than 90 concerts worldwide, with the More Than This Tour continuing into Spring 2026 for its final bow. The record-breaking success of this tour reaffirms her place as one of gospel music’s most influential figures, inspiring generations with a message of faith, hope, and love.

Tyscot Records earns three Dove Award nominations for Jason Nelson & John P. Kee

Gospel music’s coolest crooner, Jason Nelson (Pastor of the Tab church in Windsor Mills, MD), earned two nominations.

Indianapolis, IN. (July 30, 2025) – The Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards.  Tyscot Records, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, is celebrating with three Dove Award nominations. 

Gospel music’s coolest crooner, Jason Nelson (Pastor of the Tab church in Windsor Mills, MD), earned two nominations. His seventh album, You Belong: Live in Durham (Jaelyn Song / Tyscot / Fair Tarde), earned a nomination as Gospel Worship Album of the Year. The project was recorded live at World Overcomers Church in Durham, NC, in the summer of 2023. The set features pulsating tracks such as “You Over Everything,” the choir groove “Don’t Worry” (which features Alexis Johnson, Shawn Bigby, and Zacardi Cortez), and touching moments such as “Come Home.” Nelson’s song, “Yahweh,” a recent Billboard No.1 single with Melvin Crispell III, earned a nomination as Gospel Worship Song of the Year. Meanwhile, “Made New (Radio Edit),” a new and brilliantly inspiring duet with Madison Ryann Ward, is racing up the charts.

“What an amazing day and year this has been,” Nelson says. “Two Dove nominations is more than I expected. I’m humbled by my peers seeing the value of my music and my team that worked so hard to create this sound from You Belong.  God continues to amaze me.”

Prince of Gospel, John P. Kee, earned a nomination for “Church Medley.”

Then, the legendary Prince of Gospel, John P. Kee, earned a nomination for “Church Medley” in the category of Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. The track is a fusion of Kee’s 1990s era standards “I Believe,” “I Won’t Let Go,” “It Will Be Alright,” “Thank You Lord (He Did It All),” and “He’ll Welcome Me.” It’s a preview of Kee’s forthcoming two-volume project, Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, an album with new live recordings of some of the biggest hits of Kee’s 40-year career.

“I’m so honored,” Kee said. “The Dove Awards have always represented excellence. I’m super glad to be nominated.”

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held October 7, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ App Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 pm and 10 pm ET and will be simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. A rebroadcast will air on TBN and the TBN+ App on Friday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. 

Nominees for 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards announced

56th Annual Dove Award Nominees Announced

Nashville, TENN. (July 30, 2025) – The Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Brandon Lake leads artist nominations with nine. Artist of the Year nominees include Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Forrest Frank, Josiah Queen, Lauren Daigle, and Phil Wickham.

A new and diverse crop of talent showcasing the future of Christian and Gospel music is represented in this year’s class of first-time nominees. Artists include: Abbie Gamboa, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Annatoria, bodie, Caleb Gordon, Chelsea Plank, Chris Blue, Connor Price, Davies., Down East Boys, ECCOS, Emerson Day, FK&M, Gabriel EMC, Gracie Binion, Hannah McClure, High Road, Jaelee Roberts, Jamie MacDonald, Jelly Roll, JWLKRS Worship, Karen Espinosa, Kenzie Walker, Lakewood Music Español, Leanna Crawford, Marcus Cole, Megan Woods, Miles Minnick, Nick Day, ONE HOUSE, Patrick Mayberry, Paul McClure, Red Worship, Roosevelt Stewart, SEU Worship, Skye Peterson, The Belonging Co, Transformation Worship, Waleska Morales, Yandel, and Zane & Donna King. 

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held October 7, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ App on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm ET, and will be simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. A rebroadcast will air on TBN and the TBN+ App on Friday, October 17th, at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. 

“It’s such an exciting time as we announce this year’s nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “We love honoring the incredible gifts of our community of artists, songwriters, producers, and creatives and showcasing all they’ve accomplished this past year. I look forward to celebrating with you at Bridgestone Arena this October!”

The theme for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards is Creation Sings. “As someone who lives to create, perform, and lead in worship, I’m constantly reminded that our music is just a reflection of a much greater song… one that began when God spoke the world into existence,” shares Dove Awards Host Tauren Wells. “From the rhythms of the ocean to the harmonies of human praise, all of creation is echoing His glory. I can’t wait to celebrate the artists who are adding their voices to that eternal sound.”

Listen to the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards nominee playlists on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.

Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,800 submitted entries. Final round voting will run August 7th through August 14th, 2025.

For the complete list of nominees, visit https://doveawards.com.

– Excerpted from a media release

Greater St. Stephen announces reunion choir live recording, featuring Bishop Paul Morton

Greater St. Stephen Reunion Choir Live Recording flyer

New Orleans, LA – Greater St. Stephen Ministries is proud to announce a monumental moment in gospel music history: the Greater St. Stephen Reunion Choir Live Recording, featuring none other than renowned preacher and gospel music trailblazer, Bishop Paul S. Morton. This event will take place on Monday, July 7th at 6:00 p.m. at Greater St. Stephen, 5600 Read Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70127.

This highly anticipated live recording commemorates 40 years of musical excellence at Greater St. Stephen and is sponsored by Tehillah Music Group. The celebration will bring together generations of choir members, musicians, and worshippers to honor the powerful legacy of music birthed from this iconic ministry.

Executive produced by Pastor Jerry G. Parries, President of Tehillah Music Group, this event will showcase the exceptional talents of pastor and GRAMMY® award-winning artist, Bishop Marvin L. Winans, GRAMMY® award-winning artist and producer, PJ Morton, and acclaimed songwriter and producer, Elder Derrick Starks. 

The extraordinary celebration will also feature special appearances by gospel singer and songwriter Dr. Micah Stampley, pastor and gospel singer Bishop Neal Roberson, and additional guest artists. The Greater St. Stephen Reunion Choir Live Recording will be hosted by Bishop T. Delbert Robinson, Senior Pastor of Greater St. Stephen, who continues the legacy of excellence in ministry.

“This is more than a recording,” said Bishop T. Delbert Robinson, Senior Pastor of Greater St. Stephen. “It’s a reunion, a revival, and a celebration of a sound that has changed and transformed lives around the world. ”

This powerful night will not only capture the voices and harmonies of the past and present, but it will set the tone for the future of gospel music at Greater St. Stephen.

2025 BMI Christian Awards recognizes top songwriters and publishers in Christian music

2025 BMI Christian Awards

Photo L–R: BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Ryan Dahl, EJ Gaines, Be Essential Songs’ Holly Zabka, Capitol CMG Publishing’s David Gutekunst, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Ellie McKay, BMI Songwriter of the Year Jeff Pardo, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Katie Barolak, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Isabel Newell, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Kelly Redfern, BMI Spotlight Award Honoree Jackie Patillo, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Brad O’Donnell, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Kent Draughon, and BMI’s Mike Steinberg pose after winning BMI’s Song, Songwriter, and Publisher of the Year at the 2025 BMI Christian Awards. | Photo Credit: Larry McCormack for BMI

NASHVILLE, TN – BMI celebrated the best in Christian music at the 2025 BMI Christian Awards held June 17, at its Nashville office on Music Row.  The evening paid tribute to the top Christian songwriters and music publishers behind the 25 most-performed songs of the previous year, and also revealed BMI’s Christian Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year. In addition, Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association and the GMA Foundation, was honored with the BMI Spotlight Award for her unwavering dedication to the genre and illustrious career. The private event was hosted by BMI’s AVP, Creative, Leslie Roberts. 

As BMI’s Spotlight Award honoree, Patillo was celebrated as a visionary leader and for her dedication to shaping and championing the world of Christian and Gospel music. As a surprise tribute, GRAMMY nominated and five-time GMA Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, accompanied by Bernie Herms, gave a compelling performance of her very first recording, “I Am Not Alone.”

After receiving the Spotlight Award, Patillo thanked her family, friends, and those who have impacted the community, including BMI, “for championing songwriters and composers… and for recognizing the beauty of Christian and Gospel music.” She said, “This is more than just a business. We are all making a difference and impacting culture, and that’s what we get up for every day. I don’t know that anyone really feels worthy, but I truly feel this is what amazing grace looks like.”  In receiving this honor, she joins an exclusive group of music creators, including Dottie Leonard Miller, Randy Edelman, and Frank Gari.

BMI’s Christian Song of the Year went to “Praise,” written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Stephen Furtick and Chandler Moore. The hit song from Elevation Worship’s eleventh album, CAN YOU IMAGINE?, spent 31 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, reached the Top 20 on the Christian Airplay chart and currently has over 171 million streams on YouTube.

Leading up to Song of the Year, BMI named the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year including “GOOD DAY,” written by Forrest Frank, “I Believe” written by Chris Davenport, Jonathan Smith and Phil Wickham, “Praise You Anywhere” written by Hank Bentley and Ben Fielding (APRA), “That’s My King” written by Lloyd Nicks Jr. and Jessica Patrice Russ, and “What Are We Waiting For?” written by Sean Douglas, Josh Kerr and Luke Smallbone, among others. In naming the top songs, BMI also recognized 18 first-time award winners.

Jeff Pardo was named BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year for writing five of the 25 most-performed songs including “Don’t Stop Praying,” “Heaven Changes Everything,” “Praise The Lord” with Jake Henry and Micah Tyler, “Running Home” and “Strong” with Anne Wilson. The previously named 2023 BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter has made an impact on the genre as a musician and producer and has successfully crossed genres as well, working with artists such as Lady A, Ben Rector, Tauren Wells and more.

Capitol CMG Publishing brought home Publisher of the Year for representing 17 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year including BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, “Praise,” as well as “Don’t Stop Praying,” “I Believe,” “Jesus Does,” and “Take It All Back,” to name a few.

The 2025 BMI Christian Awards featured special moments during the ceremony including Roberts calling BMI’s 2019 Compass Award winner Elwyn Raymer up to the stage to start the celebration with a prayer and country songwriter Jordan Rowe giving the audience a preview of his unreleased song, “Way Back,” and first-time BMI award-winner Seph Schlueter sharing his uplifting hit “Counting My Blessings.”

For a complete list of winners, visit: https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/christian-2025.

The Brown Four to appear on ‘American Idol’ ABC Easter Special

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

The Brown Four sibling traditional gospel music quartet
From Fb@TheBrownFour

Is anyone besides me excited that mainstream audiences will soon be introduced to gospel music’s young sensations, The Brown Four? This weekend, the sibling quartet from Memphis will take the American Idol stage for its three-hour “Songs of Faith” Easter special on ABC.

Ranging from the ages of nine to thirteen, The Brown Four are known in the gospel music community for their close harmonies, stage presence, and heartfelt delivery of traditional gospel music. Simply put, they can “SANG”! Even more remarkable is that, as young as they are, they’ve been this amazing for years. The proof is in the virality of nearly every Brown Four performance that hits social media.

The Brown Four will join a lineup that includes CeCe Winans as well as American Idol alumnus Roman Collins, Jelly Roll, and Brandon Lake. Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will also perform songs that reflect their faith.

American Idol’s “Songs of Faith” Easter Special airs Sunday, April 20, at 8/7c on ABC. I can hardly wait to experience The Brown Four on the national stage.

Here they are doing what they do best.

CeCe Winans returns to ‘American Idol’ for ABC Easter Special

CeCe Winans returns to American Idol
 Photo Credit: Hannah Corwin

LOS ANGELES, CA — American Idol is celebrating Easter with a special three-hour “Songs of Faith” episode, airing Sunday, April 20, at 8|7c on ABC. Gospel music icon CeCe Winans is set to deliver a soul-stirring performance.

Winans returns to the Idol stage following her critically acclaimed performance last season, which became one of the most-watched moments of the year across social platforms and streaming. The overwhelming audience response made her an easy choice to return for this year’s Easter celebration.

The 17-time Grammy-winning vocalist will be joined by American Idol alumnus Roman Collins, Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake, and The Brown Four for an unforgettable night of uplifting music, spiritual inspiration, and powerhouse performances.

In addition to the star-studded guest lineup, judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will each step away from the judging panel to perform songs that reflect their personal faith and musical roots.

With its heartwarming blend of talent and testimony, the American Idol Easter Special promises to be a moving celebration of faith, hope, and the power of music to bring people together.

John P. Kee to be honored at 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards

JOHN P. KEE TO BE HONORED AT THE 2025 BMI TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS

(ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 26, 2025) BMI will celebrate the songwriters and publishers behind the year’s best in Gospel at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at Flourish Atlanta on Thursday, April 3rd. World-renowned Gospel music pioneer and pastor John P. Kee will be honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel in recognition of his award-winning career spanning over 40 years.

Throughout the ceremony, BMI will also recognize the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 25 most-performed Gospel songs in the United States. The BMI Gospel Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the inspirational gathering. The private event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

“John P. Kee is a true visionary in the genre, and his music continues to have an impact in Gospel music for over forty years and counting. It’s an honor to recognize his dedication and the unwavering commitment he’s made through his artistry and evangelism,” said Brewton. “We’re extremely excited to come together and celebrate his legacy and incredible accomplishments and proudly honor all of our award-winning songwriters and publishers for a special afternoon of great music and fellowship.”

John P. Kee, known as the “Prince of Gospel Music,” is a prolific multiple award-winning singer/songwriter and beloved pastor who is widely recognized for his contributions to contemporary Gospel music. Kee’s musical talents were discovered at an early age where after feeling inspired by the music heard in church, he began playing piano and writing songs at only eight years old. In the mid 1980’s, he started a community choir in Charlotte that eventually became known as the widely celebrated New Life Community Choir (NLCC).

Over the course of his professional career spanning almost four decades he has written music for Hallmark, Inc., The Hawkins Family, Daryl Coley, Billy Preston, Dorinda Clark Cole, Rev. James Cleveland, Bishop Rance Allen, Florida Mass Choir, Mississippi Mass Choir, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and for the legendary Dr. James Cleveland’s Gospel Music Workshop of America, among others. His music has been featured in film, television, commercials and on Saturday Night Live. Throughout his solo career and his work with NLCC, he has amassed 37 GMWA Excellence Awards, 27 Stellar Awards, three BMI Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, a Trailblazer Award from former President Bill Clinton and received seven GRAMMY nominations. Adding to his tremendous list of accolades, Kee was inducted into the International Gospel Hall of Fame in 2005 and was previously honored at the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards in 2001 and 2005.

In addition to being one of Gospel music’s greatest pioneers, Pastor Kee has been the full-time pastor of the New Life Fellowship Center in Charlotte, NC since its inception in 1995. Through non-traditional outreach that transcends the four walled structure, the church’s unique approach to ministry has resulted in a rapidly growing, thriving congregation.

2025 GRAMMY Gospel/CCM Winners

Congratulations to the 2025 GRAMMY Award winners in the Gospel/CCM categories. Winners’ names are in bold and were announced on February 2, 2025, ahead of the 67th GRAMMY Awards live broadcast on CBS.

Cory Henry won the 2025 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album
Cory Henry won Best Roots Gospel Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Best Gospel Performance/Song

“Church Doors” — Yolanda Adams; Sir William James Baptist & Donald Lawrence, songwriters

“Yesterday” — Melvin Crispell III

“Hold On (Live)” — Ricky Dillard

“Holy Hands” — DOE; Jesse Paul Barrera, Jeffrey Castro Bernat, Dominique Jones, Timothy Ferguson, Kelby Shavon Johnson, Jr., Jonathan McReynolds, Rickey Slikk Muzik Offord & Juan Winans, songwriters

“One Hallelujah” — Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell & Israel Houghton Featuring Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr; G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters – WINNER

______________________________________

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“Holy Forever (Live)” — Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson Featuring CeCe Winans

“Praise” — Elevation Worship Featuring Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore; Pat Barrett, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore, songwriters

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” — Honor & Glory Featuring Disciple

“In The Name Of Jesus” — JWLKRS Worship & Maverick City Music Featuring Chandler Moore; Austin Armstrong, Ran Jackson, Chandler Moore, Sajan Nauriyal, Ella Schnacky, Noah Schnacky & Ilya Toshinskiy, songwriters

“In The Room” — Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore Featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard; G. Morris Coleman, Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters

“That’s My King” — CeCe Winans; Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Llyod Nicks & Jess Russ, songwriters – WINNER

______________________________________

Best Gospel Album

Covered Vol. 1 — Melvin Crispell III

Choirmaster II (Live) — Ricky Dillard

Father’s Day — Kirk Franklin

Still Karen — Karen Clark Sheard

More Than This — CeCe Winans – WINNER

______________________________________

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Heart Of A Human — DOE – WINNER

When Wind Meets Fire — Elevation Worship

Child Of God — Forrest Frank

Coat Of Many Colors — Brandon Lake

The Maverick Way Complete — Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore

______________________________________

Best Roots Gospel Album

The Gospel Sessions, Vol 2 — Authentic Unlimited

The Gospel According To Mark — Mark D. Conklin

Dr. Bobby Jones

Rhapsody — The Harlem Gospel Travelers

Church — Cory Henry – WINNER

Loving You — The Nelons

______________________________________

The full list of winners in all categories will be updated live here throughout the evening: 2025 Winners List

Congratulations also go out to Dr. Bobby Jones who is among this year’s Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honorees. The 2025 Special Merit Awards took place in Los Angeles on February 1st. You can watch his tribute here.

PJ Morton celebrates release of ‘Saturday Night, Sunday Morning’ memoir

Career-Spanning Memoir Embraces Independence, Defying Expectations & Straddling
The Fences of R&B and Gospel Music, Faith, Race & Culture   

PJ Morton is pictured with fans at his book signing in Nashville. (From Media Release)

GRAMMY® winning singer and producer, PJ Morton, has published his inspiring and life-spanning new book, Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, via Worthy Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. Aside from recent TV appearances on the Tamron Hall Show and CBS Mornings, Morton held book signing events in his native New Orleans, Nashville, New York City, and at his alma mater, Morehouse College, in Atlanta. 

The memoir finds the 5x GRAMMY®-winner recounting and reflecting on a journey that continues to defy expectations and straddle the fences of music and faith, race and culture, expression and identity. As the son of beloved singing pastors Bishop Paul S. and Pastor Debra B. Morton, PJ Morton grew up grounded by the sound of the Church, but soon found himself drawn to R&B, pop and soul, writing songs that the industry, his family and community struggled to understand. In the face of mounting pressure, rejection and constant miscategorization, he committed himself to a steadfast path of independence: making music on his own terms, launching his own record label, and joining one of the biggest bands in the world (Maroon 5) while staying true to his New Orleans roots. The risks he took paid off, and through his trailblazing transformation from preacher’s kid to the busiest man in showbiz – performing everywhere from his local congregation to the Super Bowl with Maroon 5, collaborating with everyone from his father to Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Jon Batiste and Lil Wayne – PJ Morton hopes to encourage readers and listeners to overcome obstacles as they seek their dreams. 

– From a media release