BMI celebrated the best in Gospel music today at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Gospel music pioneer and pastor John P. Kee was honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music in recognition of his artistry and inspiring influence on the genre throughout his prolific career spanning over 40 years. 

BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, John P. Kee was honored for his signature blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel music that continues to resonate with fans around the world across generations and genres. O’Neill presented Kee with the ceremony’s top honor, saluting his “extraordinary contributions that have greatly influenced the Gospel genre and deeply touched the community.”

The musical tributes to Kee kicked off with Lena Byrd Miles giving her moving interpretation of “Yes Lord,” followed by Chrystal Rucker’s performance of “The Anointing.” The tributes continued with Kelontae Gavin singing “Never Shall Forget” and Jekalyn Carr giving a passionate performance of “Standing in the Need,” both of which brought the audience to their feet.

Lisa Knowles-Smith and her children KJ and Ndia paid homage to Kee with their amazing renditions of “Lily in the Valley” and “He’ll Welcome Me.” Vanessa Bell Armstrong followed with “Wave It Away,” featuring Donald Lawrence and The Company, and Zacardi Cortez ended the tributes with an uplifting performance of “Jesus is Real.”

Upon receiving the honor, Kee, known as the “Prince of Gospel,” thanked his family and friends, many of whom were in the room, for their love and support. While humbled by their affirmations of the tremendous impact he’s made on them through his mentorship and guidance, he shared, “Every time you win an award, I win an award… I’m just a proud Uncle John.”

He went on to say that he was going to “flip the moment” by presenting BMI’s Brewton with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her “vision and determination that have paved the way for future generations of women in business.”

The ceremony concluded with Kee singing the opening line to his hit, “New Life” and he was joined with an impromptu celebration from many of the Gospel greats in the room, including Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Eric Dawkins, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Lisa Page Brooks and Marvin Sapp.

Throughout the afternoon, BMI saluted the 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, leading up to the highly anticipated BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Goodness of God” written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding (APRA) and Jason Ingram. Performed by CeCe Winans, the hit single reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, #15 on US Hot Christian Songs and peaked at #2 on Hot Gospel Songs. It also spent an incredible 118 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Songs Sales.

Kirk Franklin and Charles Jenkins tied for BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year for each writing two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year.  Franklin was honored for “All Things” and “Try Love,” securing his fourth Songwriter of the Year award, which now includes three for Gospel and one for Christian. Jenkins was recognized for his hit songs, “God Be Praised” and “Look at God,”marking the first time he’s received this coveted title and bringing his total to eight BMI Awards garnered over his successful career.

BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Capitol CMG for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs, including BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, “Goodness of God.”

GRAMMY-Award winning singer/songwriter Brandon Lake shares further news surrounding his next project with tour dates in 2025 and 2026 to support the release. The King Of Hearts Tour will feature Franni Cash for the 2025 dates as a supporting artist. The tour will make stops in 48 cities across Fall of 2025 and Spring of 2026. A public pre-sale kicks off on April 23!

Earlier this week, Lake announced his new album, titled King Of Hearts, is slated to arrive on June 13. “It’s not for the seemingly put together, but for those honest about their brokenness, longing to connect with their Creator,” Lake said when speaking about what inspired his new record. “He is King of the universe, nations, creation—but most of all, King of hearts.”

Brandon Lake Announces ‘King Of Hearts’ 2025-2026 Tour

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2025

• OCT 02 – SUNRISE, FL
• OCT 03 – ORLANDO, FL
• OCT 04 – ATLANTA, GA
• OCT 09 – DES MOINES, IA
• OCT 10 – MILWAUKEE, WI
• OCT 11 – GRAND RAPIDS, MI
• OCT 12 – COLUMBUS, OH
• OCT 16 – KNOXVILLE, TN
• OCT 17 – GREENSBORO, NC
• OCT 18 – JACKSONVILLE, FL
• OCT 19 – COLUMBIA, SC
• NOV 06 – BIRMINGHAM, AL
• NOV 07 – SOUTHAVEN, MS
• NOV 08 – TULSA, OK
• NOV 09 – KANSAS CITY, MO
• NOV 13 – SALT LAKE CITY, UT
• NOV 14 – HENDERSON, NV
• NOV 15 – SACRAMENTO, CA
• NOV 16 – SAN JOSE, CA
• NOV 20 – BOISE, ID
• NOV 21 – PORTLAND, OR
• NOV 22 – SEATTLE, WA
• NOV 23 – SPOKANE, WA

2026

• MAR 05 – FORT WAYNE, IN
• MAR 06 – CLEVELAND, OH
• MAR 07 – CHARLESTON, WV
• MAR 08 – DETROIT, MI
• MAR 12 – PHILADELPHIA, PA
• MAR 13 – BOSTON, MA
• MAR 14 – BRIDGEPORT, CT
• MAR 15 – ELMONT, NY
• MAR 19 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN
• MAR 20 – STATE COLLEGE, PA
• MAR 21 – BALTIMORE, MD
• MAR 22 – RALEIGH, NC
• APR 09 – SAN ANTONIO, TX
• APR 10 – OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
• APR 11 – OMAHA, NE
• APR 12 – ST. LOUIS, MO
• APR 16 – LITTLE ROCK, AR
• APR 17 – TUPELO, MS
• APR 18 – PENSACOLA, FL
• APR 19 – CHARLOTTE, NC
• APR 23 – GREENVILLE, SC
• APR 24 – LOUISVILLE, KY
• APR 25 – MOLINE, IL
• APR 26 – ST. PAUL, MN
• MAY 01 – CHARLESTON, SC

4X GRAMMY Award-winning artist / Reach Records co-founder Lecrae is back with a powerful new episode of his podcast series “The Deep End With Lecrae,” featuring GRAMMY Award-winning artist, actor and multifaceted entertainer Will Smith.

The episode offers viewers a rare, introspective look into Will Smith’s personal journey, diving deep into his coveted career, and quest for authenticity and genuine connection. Smith openly discusses his relationship with spirituality and religion, stepping away from materialism, and confronting personal struggles beyond Hollywood’s spotlight.

He candidly pulls back the curtain on his 20-year hiatus from music, his upcoming album, meaningful relationships, and how faith has guided him through some of life’s darkest moments. This episode stands out as a powerful exploration of vulnerability, growth, and artistic evolution – offering a side of Will Smith that fans have yet to experience.

Lecrae Returns With A Powerful New Episode Of Popular Podcast Series “THE DEEP END WITH LECRAE”

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‘The Deep End’ series debuted on November 8, 2023 and has since featured guests Angela “Blac Chyna” White, Tori Kelly, Zaytoven, Emmanuel Acho, Dr. Terrence Lester, Tim Ross, Jackie Hill Perry, The Professor, Megan Ashley, Montell Jordan, Dharius Daniels, Matt Chandler, Crystal Renee Hayslett and Priscilla Shirer.

This week it was announced that American Idol will be airing an Easter Sunday Special. On April 20, the theme for the three-hour episode is ‘songs of faith.’ Guest performances will include Gospel music icon CeCe Winans, GRAMMY-Award winning singer/songwriter Brandon Lake, Season 22’s contestant Roman Collins, this season’s artist in residence Jelly Roll, and The Brown Four. Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan will also perform.

American Idol airs on ABC Sundays and Mondays at 8pm ET. Streams next day on Hulu.

APRIL MARKS FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTIAN MUSIC MONTH

Industry Joins Together To Shine Spotlight On Christian and Gospel Music Leading Up To Easter

The Recording Academy + Gospel Music Association Launches Christian Music Month Focused ‘Positive Vibes Only’ Performances 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 1, 2025) – Gospel Music Association (GMA) is proud to announce that industry leaders and organizations across Christian and Gospel music are coming together for the month of April to celebrate the first annual Christian Music Month (CMM), a movement designed to encourage fans everywhere to listen, engage, and share the power of Christian music.

Easter marks the biggest day of the year for Christian music consumption. Dedicating an entire month to Christian music will build on that momentum to shine a spotlight on the music and message that transforms lives.

In honor of Christian Music Month, GMA is partnering with The Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, to launch four exclusive performances of their Positive Vibes Only series, which celebrates gospel and Contemporary Christian music. Featuring Tauren Wells, Josiah Queen, Jekalyn Carr, and Adrienne Bailon ft. New Breed, each video will premiere on GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy YouTube Channel throughout April:

April 7th – Tauren Wells

April 14th – Josiah Queen

April 21st – Jekalyn Carr

April 28th – Adrienne Bailon ft. New Breed

Christian Music Month has been fully embraced across the industry, with Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, and TBN+ all creating official destinations on their platforms to highlight CMM. Christian Radio support is being led by Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB), while event participation is happening through partnerships with Awakening Events and TPR, featuring CMM branding on major tours like Forrest Frank, MercyMe, Winter Jam and more. 

This is a historic moment for Christian music. The GMA is encouraging industry members and fans alike to support Christian Music Month this April.

ABOUT THE GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

Since 1964, the Gospel Music Association’s mission has been to expose, promote and celebrate the Gospel through music. The GMA serves the richly diverse creatives and professionals within the Christian and Gospel music industry by preserving the legacies of those who’ve gone before us and celebrating the work of today’s artists through events like the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Easter Celebration, and GMA Christmas Celebration – which reaches millions of people around the world annually.

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY 

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals.

Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music’s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement.

As the world’s leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

Gospel music fans, we have some exciting news! The dates for the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards have officially been set – and we get the feeling you won’t want to miss it.

This year’s awards will be held August 14-16, 2025 in Nashville, TN. 

Great music is coming to a city near you! Cochran & Co has announced the Running Home Tour with special guests Megan Woods and Mackenzie Phillips this spring.

The tour will kick off in South Burlington, VT on April 23 and end in Odessa, MO on May 10. Act soon – tickets are already low for some of the dates!

Grammy-winning music icon CeCe Winans is bringing together women from across the nation for the 4th annual Generations Live! 25’ Women’s Conference, set to take place May 9-10, 2025, at the Curb Event Center at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. This dynamic two-day event promises an empowering experience designed to strengthen bonds between women of all ages, with the goal of fostering wisdom, faith, and connection between generations.

Since its inception, Generations Live! 25 has been a transformative gathering where women leave inspired, encouraged, and equipped to make meaningful changes in their lives. “The heart of Generations Live! has always been about bringing women together to share, learn, and grow,” says CeCe Winans. “When we unite as sisters and pass down wisdom from one generation to the next, something powerful happens. We’re reminded that we’re stronger together.”

This year’s conference lineup features an extraordinary roster of speakers, including CeCe Winans, Priscilla Shirer, Jackie Hill-Perry, Sheryl Brady, Ashley Phillips, Tamara Bennett, Shannon Smith, and Rochelle T. Parks. Attendees will also be treated to inspiring musical performances by special guests Doe and Charity Gayle, adding a special time of worship to the weekend.

This year’s event is expected to reach full capacity, but in-person tickets are still available.  For those who can’t travel to Nashville, livestream access is available for individuals, small groups, and churches making it easier than ever to experience the conference virtually. 

Canaan James Hill covered an Earnest Pugh classic for his American Idol audition, which aired Mar 30. All three judges said “yes” and awarded him one of three platinum tickets after hearing his powerful rendition of “I Need Your Glory.”

Pugh applaued the performance too, posting on social media, “He did this song so much justice. I am grateful.” The song “I Need Your Glory” was released in 2011 on Pugh’s Earnestly Yours album.

American Idol airs on ABC Sundays and Mondays at 8pm ET.

The Heritage is the newest signing to Chris Tomlin’s Bowyer and Bow imprint on Universal/Capitol Christian Music Group. The dynamic collective of worship leaders joins the elite roster that includes Blessing Offor and Pat Barrett. Celebrating their label home, The Heritage releases their debut album HOME available today. 

“This all started with us writing worship songs for our local church,” shares The Heritage of their inception as a group. “We simply wanted to create music that would impact the way people worship God. Never did we imagine that our paths would cross so unexpectedly with Chris Tomlin and his entire team, but God did far beyond what we could have ever imagined. We are excited to partner with Bowyer & Bow and Capitol CMG to expand our reach and share God-honoring, Christ-centered worship music with a wider audience. To God be the glory!”

“The first time I heard The Heritage, I was deeply moved,” shares Chris Tomlin. “There was something so genuine and refreshing in their sound: a mix of honesty, passion, and heart fully focused on worship. These young worship leaders from South Carolina carry something special, and I believe God is going to use their songs in a powerful way. I can’t wait for the world to hear their debut album. My prayer is that it speaks to people the same way it spoke to me.”

The Heritage is brought together under the leadership of Worship Pastor Joshua Phillips from Christian Heritage Church in Graniteville, SC. Songs from The Heritage blend the timeless nature of worship music, echoing a deep passion for scripture, while embracing the creativity of a fresh, innovative spirit and sound of a new generation. Listen to the live recorded debut project HOME here and watch the music video below. 

Brad O’Donnell, President of CCMG, adds, “We love our partnership with Chris Tomlin and Bowyer and Bow and are excited to work together on our latest signing, The Heritage. The band’s incredible story and sincere, fresh take on worship music are sure to stand out and encourage people around the world.”