Many artists used their moment on stage at the GRAMMY Awards on Sunday night to give glory to God, turning acceptance speeches into declarations of faith and hope.
US rapper and singer Jelly Roll, who won Best Contemporary Country Album for ‘Beautifully Broken’, delivered one of the night’s most striking moments.
“I believe that music had the power to change my life, and God had the power to change my life,” he said. “And I want to tell y’all right now, Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by any music label. Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have a relationship with him. I love you, Lord.”
Meanwhile, SZA offered words of encouragement amid global uncertainty after joining Kendrick Lamar on stage to accept Record of the Year for ‘Luther’.
“Please don’t fall into despair,” she said. “I know that right now is a scary time. I know the algorithms tell us that it's so scary and all is lost. There's been world wars, there's been plagues, and we have gone on.
“We can go on. We need each other. We need to trust each other and trust ourselves, trust your heart. We're not governed by the government. We're governed by God.”
Christian singer-songwriter Israel Houghton also took home an award, winning Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for ‘Coritos vol. 1’ with Israel & New Breed. After thanking God and honouring his wife, Houghton addressed those living in fear in the United States, alluding to recent ICE raids and killings.
“To those who are hiding in the shadows in America, those who are scared, let this music, let the hope that we are a part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken," he said. "We are citizens of a kingdom that cannot be shaken and that will not end. I encourage you tonight, listen, be nice to the people in your community. Amen.”
2026 GRAMMY Awards — Christian Category Winners
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
'Coritos vol. 1' — Israel & New Breed
Nominees: Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, Lecrae, Tauren Wells
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
'Hard fought hallelujah' — Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
Nominees: Elevation Worship, Forrest Frank, Lecrae, Darrel Walls with PJ Morton
Best Gospel Performance/Song
'Come Jesus come' — CeCe Winans ft. Shirley Caesar
Nominees: Kirk Franklin, Pastor Mike Jr, Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts, Tasha Cobbs Leonard with John Legend
Best Gospel Album
'Heart of mine' — Darrel Walls & PJ Morton
Nominees: Yolanda Adams, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tamela Mann, Tye Tribbett
Best Roots Gospel Album
'I will not be moved (live)' — The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Nominees: Gaither Vocal Band, The Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River, Candi Staton
