Gospel music’s legacy, influence and next generation took center stage as BMI celebrated some of the genre’s most accomplished songwriters, artists and publishers at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards.
Held at BMI’s Nashville office, the private ceremony delivered one of its biggest honors to multiple award-winning singer and songwriter Kierra Sheard, who received the BMI Impact Award in recognition of her career, artistry and influence on the future of gospel music.
The honor was only part of a major afternoon for Sheard. She was also named BMI Gospel Songwriter of the Year, sharing the distinction in a three-way tie with her brother J Drew Sheard II and acclaimed songwriter Kerry Douglas.
Douglas earned recognition for writing three of the previous year’s most-performed gospel songs: “Don’t Give Up,” “Windows” and “Without You.” The latest honors bring his career total to five BMI Awards.
The Sheard siblings were recognized for co-writing “All Yours,” “RAIN DOWN ON ME” and “Send It Down.” It marked the second time Kierra and J Drew have shared BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year title, following their previous win in 2022.
A Family Legacy Celebrated
Sheard’s Impact Award presentation became one of the ceremony’s most personal moments.
Her aunt, Dorinda Clark-Cole, a 2024 BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music honoree, opened the tribute with a heartfelt video message. Sheard’s mother, gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard, followed with an emotional speech celebrating her daughter and calling the recognition a “well-deserved honor.”
The musical tributes reflected the depth of Kierra Sheard’s catalog and influence. Darrel Walls opened with “Indescribable,” while DOE delivered a soulful performance of “This Is Me.”
Then Tasha Cobbs Leonard brought the room to its feet with an uplifting rendition of “Hang On,” with Karen Clark Sheard and Tamela Mann joining in from the audience.
Presenting Sheard with the BMI Impact Award, BMI EVP and Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg praised the singer’s reach beyond the stage.
“Today, we celebrate you for inspiring us through all your endeavors: your innovative songwriting, your powerful artistry and your ministry that touches hearts around the world.”
For Sheard, the recognition became an opportunity to speak about faithfulness, purpose and longevity.
She also acknowledged BMI’s role in supporting gospel songwriters and protecting the value of their work.
“I want to thank you for pushing gospel music forward. You make this industry worth staying in,” Sheard said. “What matters is what you represent, that someone still believes in a song that is worth protecting and paying for.”
Sheard ultimately closed the ceremony the way she has moved audiences throughout her career: through music, bringing the room to its feet with a performance of her hit “You Are.”
“Lead Me On” Named Gospel Song of the Year
Throughout the afternoon, BMI recognized the 25 most-performed gospel songs of the previous year, culminating with “Lead Me On” being named BMI Gospel Song of the Year.
Co-written by Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore and Jeff Pardo, the song became a defining solo record for Moore. Featured on his 2024 project Chandler Moore: Live In Los Angeles, “Lead Me On” became Moore’s first No. 1 as a solo artist and spent 28 weeks on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart.
The ceremony began with Keyla Richardson performing “I Love the Lord” and also recognized 16 first-time BMI winners, including Adia, Jazze Pha, Travis Finley, Dustin “SLATE” Slater and Keran Vega, among others, for their contributions to award-winning songs.
Capitol CMG Takes Publisher of the Year
Capitol CMG was named BMI Gospel Publisher of the Year, earning the distinction for holding the highest publisher share percentage among BMI’s top 25 gospel songs of the year, including Song of the Year winner “Lead Me On.”
Hosted by BMI CEO Mike O’Neill, BMI EVP and Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta Catherine Brewton, the 2026 Trailblazers ceremony underscored the continued commercial, cultural and spiritual power of gospel music.
But the afternoon ultimately belonged to Kierra Sheard.
Born into one of gospel music’s most celebrated families, Sheard has spent her career building upon that legacy while establishing an identity distinctly her own. Her recognition with both the BMI Impact Award and Songwriter of the Year honor represents more than another pair of accolades. It reflects a career that continues to bridge gospel’s extraordinary history with its evolving future.
On a day dedicated to the writers, voices and songs moving gospel forward, Sheard’s message of faithfulness proved especially fitting.