Gospel Music Association Highlights Jennifer Hudson, Brandon Lake Collaborations This Week

The Gospel Music Association released its weekly trending faith and culture roundup on May 1, spotlighting several high-profile collaborations between gospel artists and mainstream performers.

Jennifer Hudson and Charlie Puth performed Kirk Franklin''s gospel classic "Silver and Gold" together, drawing attention from both gospel and pop audiences. The performance was widely shared on social media.

Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas released two new songs, "Hope (Remix)" and "The Author." The collaboration had been anticipated for months. Lake, known for his work in contemporary Christian music, and Jonas have both spoken publicly about their faith in recent years.

British singer-songwriter RAYE performed "Joy" with her sisters on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The song draws from Psalm 30:5. RAYE said the performance was personal, reflecting her own experience with faith during difficult periods in her career.

Bruno Mars opened his 2026 Romantic Tour in Las Vegas with a video of himself praying, thanking God, and asking for protection and strength for the audience. The moment circulated widely online.

The Gospel Music Association also announced the nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards in Christian and Gospel categories. Kirk Franklin received a nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song for "Do It Again." Tasha Cobbs Leonard earned a nomination for "Church," a collaboration with John Legend. Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts were nominated for "Still (Live)."

In the album categories, Yolanda Adams, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Tamela Mann are among the nominees for Best Gospel Album. Brandon Lake''s "King Of Hearts" and Lecrae''s "Reconstruction" are nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

The full list of nominees is available on the Gospel Music Association''s website.