CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS

#BMIGospel

2026 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Congratulations

We were honored to celebrate our exceptional family of Gospel songwriters and publishers, whose talent continues to elevate the genre. We applaud your outstanding achievements and the success you achieved over the past year. We were thrilled to recognize Kierra Sheard-Kelly with our BMI Impact Award for her groundbreaking artistry, creative vision, and influence on the future of music. We also honored the songwriters and publishers behind the past year’s 25 most-performed Gospel songs and announced the Songwriters, Song, and Publisher of the Year. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary gifts with the world. Congratulations to all our award winners!

2026 Award Winners

IMPACT AWARD

Kierra Sheard

Kierra Sheard is making a powerful impact on Gospel music, bringing fresh creative vision, bold artistry, and a dynamic voice that continues to shape the genre’s future. A GRAMMY winner and multiple Dove and Stellar Award-winning artist, she began her musical career at age 9 and has established herself as one of gospel music’s most influential forces. As the daughter of Karen Clark Sheard of the legendary Clark Sisters and Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Sr., Kierra carries forward a rich musical legacy while continuing to expand the genre to new generations. Beyond her music, her impact on gospel culture is amplified through her work as an entrepreneur, author, and mentor. Kierra continues to inspire, uplift, and bring people closer to God through her music, ministry, and multifaceted endeavors, making her the perfect recipient of BMI’s Impact Award.

SONG OF THE YEAR

Lead Me On

  • Jonathan Jay
  • Chandler Moore
  • Jeff Pardo
  • Brenthood Music
  • Capitol CMG Publishing
  • For Humans Publishing
  • Let There Be Songs
  • Maverick City Publishing
  • Meaux Mercy Publishing
  • Tribes Rights Worldwide

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Kerry Douglas

  • Don't Give Up
  • Windows
  • Without You

J Drew Sheard II

  • All Yours
  • RAIN DOWN ON ME
  • Send It Down

Kierra Sheard

  • All Yours
  • RAIN DOWN ON ME
  • Send It Down

PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR

Capitol CMG Publishing

  • Amen
  • Constant
  • Lead Me On
  • RAIN DOWN ON ME
  • Windows

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Moments from the Stage and More

Mike O'Neill, CEO of BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award recipient, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, and Michael Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer pose at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Mike O'Neill, CEO of BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award recipient, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, and Michael Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer pose at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) BMI CEO Mike O'Neill with Capitol CMG's Walter Thomas and Terryl Padilla, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Capitol CMG's David Gutekunst, and Michael Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer for BMI's Gospel Song Of The Year
(L-R) BMI CEO Mike O'Neill with Capitol CMG's Walter Thomas and Terryl Padilla, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Capitol CMG's David Gutekunst, and Michael Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer for BMI's Gospel Song Of The Year "Lead Me On" at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Adia attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Adia attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
2026 BMI Impact Award recipient, Kierra Sheard performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
2026 BMI Impact Award recipient, Kierra Sheard performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Marc Jay, 2026 BMI Impact Award recipient Kierra Sheard, and Jordan Kelly attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Marc Jay, 2026 BMI Impact Award recipient Kierra Sheard, and Jordan Kelly attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Keran Vega attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Keran Vega attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Jordan Kelly, 2026 BMI Impact Award recipient Kierra Sheard, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, and Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Jordan Kelly, 2026 BMI Impact Award recipient Kierra Sheard, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, and Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Ricky Dillard attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Ricky Dillard attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Darrel Walls and DOE perform onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Darrel Walls and DOE perform onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Darrel Walls attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Darrel Walls attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Keyla Richardson performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Keyla Richardson performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Marc Jay attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Marc Jay attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
2026 BMI Impact Award recipient, Kierra Sheard performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
2026 BMI Impact Award recipient, Kierra Sheard performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Brelyn Bowman and Tim Bowman, Jr. attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Brelyn Bowman and Tim Bowman, Jr. attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Greg
Greg "Uncle G" Lyons attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta onstage at 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta onstage at 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Angel Taylor attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Angel Taylor attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Benjamin Cone III attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Benjamin Cone III attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Necie Armstrong and Jor'Dan Armstrong attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Necie Armstrong and Jor'Dan Armstrong attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
David
David "DLO" Outing attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
DOE performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
DOE performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Kirk Franklin attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Kirk Franklin attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
David and Tamela Mann attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
David and Tamela Mann attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
VaShawn Mitchell attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
VaShawn Mitchell attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Darrel Walls performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Darrel Walls performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Karen Clark Sheard speaks onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Karen Clark Sheard speaks onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Karen Clark Sheard perform at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Karen Clark Sheard perform at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Mike O'Neill, CEO of BMI, Kerry Douglas, Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award and Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, J. Drew Sheard II, Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, and Michael Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer pose at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Mike O'Neill, CEO of BMI, Kerry Douglas, Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award and Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, J. Drew Sheard II, Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, and Michael Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer pose at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Donald Lawrence attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Donald Lawrence attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Tim Bowman, Jr. attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Tim Bowman, Jr. attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Tasha Cobbs Leonard performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Tasha Cobbs Leonard performs onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
VaShawn Mitchell and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
VaShawn Mitchell and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Johnie Steele attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Johnie Steele attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Dr. Bionca Outing and David
Dr. Bionca Outing and David "DLO" Outing attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Megan Baptist and Sir the Baptist attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Megan Baptist and Sir the Baptist attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Mike O'Neill, CEO of BMI speaks onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Mike O'Neill, CEO of BMI speaks onstage at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Sir the Baptist attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Sir the Baptist attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Adolphus
Adolphus "Scottie" Scott III attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
2026 BMI Impact Award recipient, Kierra Sheard attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
2026 BMI Impact Award recipient, Kierra Sheard attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Greg
Greg "Uncle G" Lyons and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Mike O'Neill, CEO of BMI, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award and Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, J. Drew Sheard II, Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, and Michael Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer pose at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Mike O'Neill, CEO of BMI, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award and Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, J. Drew Sheard II, Gospel Songwriter of the Year recipient, and Michael Steinberg, BMI, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer pose at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Sean Keys attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Sean Keys attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Otis Kemp attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Otis Kemp attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Earnest Pugh attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Earnest Pugh attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Keyla Richardson attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Keyla Richardson attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Dudley
Dudley "NEVRMIND" Alexander Duverne attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Jaicko Lawrence attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Jaicko Lawrence attends the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award recipient,and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, 2026 BMI Impact Award recipient,and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, Atlanta, Elijah Blake and Shannon Sanders attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, Atlanta, Elijah Blake and Shannon Sanders attend the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI on July 21, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for BMI)

Songwriters & Publishers of the
Most-Performed Songs
of the Year

These songs have received the most performances on terrestrial radio, satellite radio, and digital streaming services over the past year.
This year we’re proud to honor 29 first-time Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award winners.
★ See their names starred below.
All Yours cover art

All Yours

  • Kierra Sheard
  • J Drew Sheard II
  • Drew’s Girl Publishing
  • J Drew Sheard Music
Amen cover art

Amen

  • ★ Adia
  • ★ Juston “Zavier” Johnson
  • Michael DeWayne McClure Jr.
  • David “DLo” Outing
  • ★ Jeremy Jamal Wilson
  • Adiasings Publishing
  • Capitol CMG Publishing
  • DO3 Productions
  • Rock City Media Group Publishing
Better Than Good To Me cover art

Better Than Good To Me

  • ★ LeNaSa “Lady Harmony” Sellers
  • N Harmony’s Way Publishing
  • Songs of Orchard Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Call His Name cover art

Call His Name

  • Ay Ron Ronell Lewis
  • Copyright Solutions Music
  • Straightchurch Publishing
Church Doors cover art

Church Doors

  • Donald Lawrence
  • Sir the Baptist
  • Baptist Publishing House
  • Q W Publishing
Constant cover art

Constant

  • Dante Bowe
  • ★ Norman Gyamfi
  • Jonathan Jay
  • Chandler Moore
  • ★ Jordan Sapp
  • ★ Jordin Sparks
  • Bowe Music Group
  • Capitol CMG Publishing
  • For Humans Publishing
  • Jordin Sparks Music
  • Let There Be Songs
  • Maverick City Publishing
  • Songs by JSAPP
  • Tribes Rights Worldwide
  • True Music Label
Deserve To Win cover art

Deserve To Win

  • Phillip Bryant
  • Stanley G. Green, Jr.
  • Tamela Mann
  • Be Essential Songs
  • Cleerkut Royalty Publishing
  • Eppiefly Music
  • Fair Trade Global Songs
  • SonofMary Publishing
Do It Anyway cover art

Do It Anyway

  • ★ G. Morris Coleman
  • Naomi Raine
  • Naomi Raine Music
  • Songtrust Blvd.
Don’t Give Up cover art

Don’t Give Up

  • Kerry Douglas
  • Earnest Pugh
  • Black Smoke Publishing
  • Infinite Media Group LLC
  • Map Catalogs
  • Mezzo Agency
  • MNRK Music USA
  • Pughspen Music Publishing Co.
Everything cover art

Everything

  • ★ Candice Caton
  • Stanley G. Green, Jr.
  • ★ Kortini Kemp
  • Otis K. Kemp
  • ★ Dustin “SLATE” Slater
  • Revive 5.0 Publishing
Find Me Here (Blessings Find Me) cover art

Find Me Here (Blessings Find Me)

  • ★ Joel Murray pka Positive
  • Songtrust Blvd.
Great And Mighty cover art

Great And Mighty

  • ★ Lennard Razor
  • LarazorMusic
  • Malaco World Music
Home cover art

Home

  • Sean Keys
  • ★ Greg “Uncle G” Lyons
  • ★ Reginald “ReggieNic” Nicholas
  • Adolphus “Scottie” Scott III
  • Smooth Tunes Publishing
  • Songtrust Blvd.
In My Name cover art

In My Name

  • Percy J. Bady
  • Bad Bady Music
Lead Me On cover art

Lead Me On

  • Jonathan Jay
  • Chandler Moore
  • ★ Jeff Pardo
  • Brenthood Music
  • Capitol CMG Publishing
  • For Humans Publishing
  • Let There Be Songs
  • Maverick City Publishing
  • Meaux Mercy Publishing
  • Tribes Rights Worldwide
No Weapon cover art

No Weapon

  • Todd Dulaney
  • ★ Keran Vega
  • Map Catalogs
  • MNRK Music USA
  • Musicbykgs Publishing
  • U Know It 2
Nobody But God cover art

Nobody But God

  • Tim Bowman, Jr.
  • Tim Bowman, Jr. Publishing
Only One Way Home cover art

Only One Way Home

  • ★ Benjamin George Cone III
  • Jerry Mannery
  • Malaco World Music
  • Monterey Road Publishing
RAIN DOWN ON ME cover art

RAIN DOWN ON ME

  • ★ Damien “DaBoyDame” Aubrey
  • ★ Dudley Alexander Duverne
  • Kirk Franklin
  • ★ GloRilla
  • ★ Samuel Colin Goodrich
  • ★ Marcaelis Dante Sanders
  • Kierra Sheard
  • J Drew Sheard II
  • ★ Omar “Major Seven” Walker
  • ★ Rex Zamor
  • 7 Major Moves Publishing
  • Aunt Gertrude Music Publishing
  • BMG Platinum Songs US
  • Capitol CMG Publishing
  • CMG The Label Publishing
  • Drew’s Girl Publishing
  • EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
  • J Drew Sheard Music
  • Muziqnation Music Group
  • Play Too Much Publishing
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Ballad
Send It Down cover art

Send It Down

  • Marc Jay
  • Kierra Sheard
  • J Drew Sheard II
  • Drew’s Girl Publishing
  • J Drew Sheard Music
  • Songs by Marc Jay
Speak cover art

Speak

  • ★ Travis Finley
  • Donnie McClurkin
  • Awspire Publishing LLC
  • Don Mac Music
  • peermusic III, Ltd.
  • Savgos Music, Inc.
Sunshine cover art

Sunshine

  • Jor’Dan Armstrong
  • Kortez Harris III
  • I’m Blessed Bro Publishing
  • LKG Music Global
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
Windows cover art

Windows

  • Kerry Douglas
  • ★ Jaicko Lawrence
  • Michael DeWayne McClure Jr.
  • Capitol CMG Publishing
  • Kerry Douglas Publishing
  • Map Catalogs
  • MNRK Music USA
  • Payday Empire Music
  • Rock City Media Group Publishing
Without You cover art

Without You

  • Kerry Douglas
  • ★ Jazze Pha
  • Bubba Gee Music
  • Kerry Douglas Publishing
  • Map Catalogs
  • MNRK Music USA
Yahweh cover art

Yahweh

  • Danni Baylor
  • ★ Johnie Steele
  • Didian Publishing