The Recording Academy unveiled the nominations for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, and this year, Christian and gospel artists are taking the spotlight. Among the talented nominees are CeCe Winans, Elevation Worship, Bethel Music, and newcomer Forrest Frank, whose moving messages have resonated deeply with listeners worldwide.
In the Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song category, Bethel Music’s Jenn Johnson and CeCe Winans received a nod for their live rendition of “Holy Forever.” Elevation Worship, led by Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, and Chandler Moore, was nominated for “Praise,” a song that glorifies God through uplifting lyrics crafted by Pat Barrett and Steven Furtick. Other songs competing in this category include “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” by Honor & Glory featuring Disciple and JWLKRS Worship’s powerful “In The Name Of Jesus,” performed with Maverick City Music and Chandler Moore.
CeCe Winans received additional recognition for her song “That’s My King,” which celebrates God’s majesty and grace. For her, the Grammy nomination is another milestone in a career dedicated to praising God through music.
Christian albums are also well-represented. In the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album category, notable contenders include “Heart of A Human” by DOE and “When Wind Meets Fire” by Elevation Worship. Forrest Frank’s “Child of God” is also nominated, celebrating a 14-week run as the No. 1 album on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart. Frank expressed his amazement at the album’s impact, saying, “The fact that anybody would listen to something that I make and say that’s good is shocking to me… Anything beyond that is all just a bonus. I think God wants it that way, so I just give Him all glory for this, and He’s orchestrating my path.”
CeCe Winans continues to shine with her album More Than This, which was nominated in the Best Gospel Album category. She is joined by other gospel greats like Kirk Franklin, Karen Clark Sheard, and Ricky Dillard, whose albums are celebrated for their soulful and heartfelt messages.
For many artists, worship music is more than performance; it’s a calling. Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music describes “Holy Forever” as an “eternal song” that focuses solely on God. “It’s a reminder for us to keep our eyes on Him and who He is,” she explained. Similarly, Forrest Frank says he finds profound fulfillment in creating music that exalts Jesus. “Going back to making pop music is just like, it’s like air. There’s no substance in it for me, personally. The fact that I get to wake up every day and worship Jesus and then just record it, and other people get to worship Jesus, too. It is so fulfilling and so life-giving, and I’m here to stay,” he shared.
Melvin Crispell III, also nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song with “Yesterday,” emphasized the importance of grounding his music in scripture. Crispell explained that he starts his songwriting process with a Bible verse, which helps him convey a message with lasting impact. “That’s really the catalyst for songwriting,” he noted. “I’m still developing as a songwriter…but I’m grateful for the process.”
As the Grammy Awards approach, set to air live on February 2, 2025, Christian music fans eagerly await to see these dedicated artists celebrated for their work that uplifts, encourages, and points to God.