CeCe Winans and Shirley Caesar Win 2026 Grammy for Best Gospel Performance

CeCe Winans and Shirley Caesar took home the Grammy for Best Gospel Performance/Song at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held February 1, 2026.

Their collaboration, "Come Jesus Come," beat out four other nominees: "Amen," "Still (Live)" by Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts, "Church" by Tasha Cobbs Leonard and John Legend, and "Do It Again" by Kirk Franklin.

The win adds to Winans' already historic Grammy record. She now holds 17 career Grammy Awards, making her one of the most decorated artists in gospel music history. Caesar, a gospel legend who has been recording since the 1960s, called the win a blessing and thanked her church community.

The night was strong for gospel and Christian music across multiple categories. Darrel Walls and PJ Morton won Best Gospel Album for "Heart of Mine," beating out albums from Tye Tribbett, Tamela Mann, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Yolanda Adams.

Brandon Lake won Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for "Hard Fought Hallelujah," a collaboration with country artist Jelly Roll. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir won Best Roots Gospel Album for "I Will Not Be Moved (Live)."

Israel and New Breed won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for "Coritos Vol. 1," a project that blends traditional gospel with Latin worship styles.

The gospel categories drew significant attention this year, with several crossover collaborations between gospel artists and mainstream musicians. Tasha Cobbs Leonard's collaboration with John Legend and Brandon Lake's work with Jelly Roll both received nominations, reflecting a broader trend of gospel music reaching new audiences.

The Gospel Music Association said the Grammy wins represent a strong year for the genre and signal continued growth in gospel's cultural reach.