The Gospel Beat: CeCe Winans and Gospel Legends Shine Bright at the 2025 Grammys
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, hosted at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025, was an evening where Gospel artists truly shone. It was a night filled with faith, soulful tunes, and performances that left a lasting impression.
CeCe Winans Shines Bright
In the Gospel music world, CeCe Winans, the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, is nothing short of a queen, and she had a memorable night, securing two Grammy Awards. Her moving album, More Than This, was named Best Gospel Album—a reflection of its deep emotional impact and musical excellence. Winans also won the Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song award for That’s My King, a powerful anthem that continues to uplift and inspire listeners worldwide.
"One Hallelujah" Brings Gospel Voices Together
The electrifying track "One Hallelujah,” featuring a star-studded lineup of Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, Israel Houghton, Jonathan McReynolds, and Jekalyn Carr, snagged the Best Gospel Performance/Song award. This vibrant collaboration celebrates unity and faith, leaving audiences moved by its powerful message and vocal excellence.
DOE’s Emotional Triumph
DOE's modern worship album Heart of a Human took home the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album honor. Her heartfelt lyrics and contemporary sound have resonated with a wide audience, solidifying her status as a standout artist in the Gospel scene.
Cory Henry’s Distinctive Sound Wins
Cory Henry impressed the audience with his win for Best Roots Gospel Album for Church. Known for his unique blend of Gospel with jazz, blues, and soul, Henry’s innovative sound continues to captivate and bridge musical genres.
Christian & Gospel Category Winners
Best Gospel Performance/Song
🏆 Winner: One Hallelujah – Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, & Israel Houghton (feat. Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr)
Nominees:
DOE – Holy Hands
Melvin Crispell III – Yesterday
Ricky Dillard – Hold On (Live)
Yolanda Adams – Church Doors
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
🏆 Winner: That’s My King – CeCe Winans
Nominees:
Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson (feat. CeCe Winans) – Holy Forever (Live)
Elevation Worship (feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore) – Praise
Honor & Glory & Disciple – Firm Foundation (He Won’t)
JWLKRS Worship & Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore) – In the Name of Jesus
Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore (feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard) – In the Room
Best Gospel Album
🏆 Winner: More Than This – CeCe Winans
Nominees:
Karen Clark Sheard – Still Karen
Kirk Franklin – Father’s Day
Melvin Crispell III – Covered Vol. 1
Ricky Dillard – Choirmaster II (Live)
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
🏆 Winner: Heart of a Human – DOE
🔹 Nominees:
Brandon Lake – Coat of Many Colors
Elevation Worship – When Wind Meets Fire
Forrest Frank – Child of God
Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine – The Maverick Way Complete
Best Roots Gospel Album
🏆 Winner: Church – Cory Henry
Nominees:
Authentic Unlimited – The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 2
The Harlem Gospel Travelers – Rhapsody
Mark D. Conklin – The Gospel According to Mark
The Nelons – Loving You
Spotlight on the 2025 Grammys
While Gospel music had its moments in the limelight, the evening also honored mainstream music achievements:
Beyoncé’s First Album of the Year – She finally clinched Album of the Year with Cowboy Carter, showcasing her incredible range.
Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy Sweep – Hip-hop icon Kendrick Lamar made waves with five Grammys, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for his hit diss track against Drake, Not Like Us.
Tribute to Quincy Jones – A touching tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones featured performances by icons like Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Cynthia Erivo, Jacob Collier, Lainey Wilson, and Janelle Monáe, celebrating his unmatched legacy.
Stay tuned to EEW Mag’s "The Gospel Beat" for more stories and updates from the Gospel music world!