CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS

#BMIGospel

2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards CONGRATULATIONS

We were honored to present a fantastic tribute to the best and brightest in Gospel music of the past year and celebrate our amazing BMI family. Your inspiring songs and their uplifting message have truly spread hope and joy to the world, and we are grateful for the strength and encouragement you share with us every day through your incomparable music. It was especially meaningful to be together in person at the National Museum of African American Music, the perfect setting to recognize your exceptional gifts of creativity, talent and artistry.

2022 Award Winners

SONG OF THE YEAR

Speak To Me

  • Donnie McClurkin
  • Troy Taylor
  • Don Mac Music
  • No Quincydence Music Publishing
  • peermusic III, Ltd.
  • Savgos Music, Inc.

“Speak to Me” is Song of The Year

SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR

Aaron Lindsey

  • It Belongs To Me
  • Thank You For It All

J Drew Sheard II

  • His Love
  • It Keeps Happening

Kierra Sheard

  • His Love
  • It Keeps Happening

Jeshua “TedyP” Williams

  • Hold Me Close
  • Trouble Won't Last

Jeshua “TedyP” Williams is Songwriter of The Year

J Drew Sheard II & Kierra Sheard are Songwriters of the Year

PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR

Be Essential Songs

In Spite Of Me / Movin’ On / Never Lost

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy memorable moments from our celebration.

A Special Tribute to Marvin Sapp

Special Tributes to Kirk Franklin & Dr. Bobby Jones

#BMIGospel 2022

Top Songwriters on the Red Carpet

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Songwriter of the Year Kierra Sheard, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, and BMI’s Catherine Brewton at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Songwriter of the Year Jeshua “TedyP” Williams, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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Songwriters of the Year Kierra Sheard and J. Drew Sheard II at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Omar Grant, first time winner Drew Collins, II, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Omar Grant, first time winner Kevin Davidson, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Omar Grant, first time winner Rickey “Slikk Muzik” Offord, BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, first time winner Byron Cage, and BMI’s Omar Grant at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Omar Grant, first time winner Quennel Gaskin, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Omar Grant, first time winner Adolphus “Scottie” Scott, III, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Omar Grant, first time winner Emerald Campbell, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, first time winner Amanda Monique Gentry, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, first time winner Joe L Elisha Barnes, and BMI’s Wardell Malloy at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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First time winner Joe L Elisha Barnes and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, first time winner Alayna Maberry, and BMI’s Wardell Malloy at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, first time winner Juan Winans, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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First time winner Juan Winans, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Wardell Malloy, and Mike O’Neill pose for a selfie at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, first time winner Keyondra Lockett, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, and BMI’s Catherine Brewton at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, first time winner Kierra Sheard, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, and BMI’s Catherine Brewton at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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Songwriters of the Year Kierra Sheard and J. Drew Sheard II at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Wardell Malloy, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, and Sir the Baptist at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Drew Sheard II, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, and BMI’s Catherine Brewton at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Omar Grant, Jarmone E. Davis, Amanda Davis, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Sean Keys, and BMI’s Omar Grant at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Omar Grant, Adolphus “Scottie” Scott III, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Dr. Bobby Jones, and BMI’s Omar Grant at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Wardell Malloy, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, and Sir the Baptist at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton and Curtiss Glenn at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Bernie Herms, Natalie Grant, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, BMI’s Wardell Malloy at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, VaShawn Mitchell, and BMI’s Wardell Malloy at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Isabell Davis, and BMI’s Wardell Malloy at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Marvin Sapp, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, AyRon Ronell Lewis, MTSU’s Melissa Wald, BMI’s Mike O’Neill at at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill and Donald Lawrence at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, CeCe Winans, and BMI’s Wardell Malloy at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, MAJOR., and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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Kirk Franklin and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Fred Jenkins, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Mike O’Neill, Songwriter of the Year Kierra Sheard, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, and BMI’s Catherine Brewton at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

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BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Songwriter of the Year Jeshua “TedyP” Williams, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. (Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI)

Moments from the Red Carpet, Stage and More

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Marvin Sapp performs onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Keyondra Lockett attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Isabel Davis attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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VaShawn Mitchell attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Jeshua "Tedyp" Williams attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Juan Winans attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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(L-R) Bernie Herms and Natalie Grant attend BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Sir the Baptist attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Alayna Maberry attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Joe L. Barnes attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Amanda Gentry attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Kierra Sheard attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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CeCe Winans attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Juan Winans and CeCe Winans attend BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp attend BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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Mali Music performs onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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Natalie Grant performs onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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CeCe Winans performs onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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BMI Vice President Catherine Brewton speaks onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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Marvin Sapp (R) accepts an award from BMI Vice President Catherine Brewton (L) onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

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(L-R) BMI AVP Creative Los Angeles, Wardell Malloy and Jeshua "TedyP" Williams accepts an award onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring)

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(L-R) BMI Vice President Catherine Brewton, BMI AVP Creative Los Angeles Wardell Malloy, Kierra Sheard and J. Drew Sheard II pose for a photo onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

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Greg Cox and Kirk Franklin perform onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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(L-R) Greg Cox, Kirk Franklin, Dr. Bobby Jones, BMI Vice President Catherine Brewton and Dr. Bobby Jones speak onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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(L-R) Phil Thornton, BMI Vice President Catherine Brewton, BMI AVP Creative Los Angeles Wardell Malloy, and Tamar Rand onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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Jekalyn Carr performs onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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CeCe Winans attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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CeCe Winans performs onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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BMI President and CEO Mike O'Neill speaks onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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DOE performs onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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Dr. Bobby Jones speaks onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

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Emerald Campbell attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Marvin Sapp performs onstage during the BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

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Keyondra Lockett attends BMI's 2022 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)

Songwriters & Publishers of the
Most-Performed Songs
of the Year

These songs have received the most performances on terrestrial radio, satellite radio, and digital streaming services over the past year.
This year we’re proud to honor 27 first-time Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award winners.
See their names starred below.
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Butterflies

  • Rob Grimaldi
  • Jefferson Jean
  • Master Suite
  • Mezzo Agency
  • Sony/ATV Ballad
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God Wants to Heal You

  • Kevin Davidson
  • Robert Lance Lucas
  • Map Catalogs
  • Slickey Music
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His Love

  • Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus
  • Twinkie Clark
  • Dorinda Clark-Cole
  • Faith Evans
  • Kierra Sheard
  • J Drew Sheard II
  • Drew’s Girl Publishing
  • EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
  • Faith Evans Publishing
  • Forever Grace Publishing
  • J Drew Sheard Music
  • My Own Chit Publishing
  • Songs by Twinkie Music Publishing
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
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Hold Me Close

  • Jeshua “TedyP” Williams
  • Eyeam Family Publishing
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I Can’t Give Up

  • Byron Cage
  • Malaco World Music
  • NoryB Publishing
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I Got It

  • Amanda Monique Gentry
  • Curtiss Glenn
  • Michael DeWayne McClure Jr.
  • CGlenn Publishing
  • Gentryfied Music
  • Kerry Douglas Publishing
  • Rock City Media Group Publishing
  • The Ham 205 Music Publishing
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In Spite Of Me

  • Joe L Elisha Barnes
  • Dante Bowe
  • Aaron Moses
  • Aaron Moses Chiriboga Music
  • Be Essential Songs
  • Bethel Worship Publishing
  • Capitol CMG Publishing
  • ForTheDreamers Publishing
  • Heritage Worship Music Publishing
  • Maverick City Publishing
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It Belongs To Me

  • Aaron Lindsey
  • Juan Winans
  • Five Lions Publishing
  • My Block Blue Songs
  • Parkside and Curtis Music Publishing
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It Keeps Happening

  • Kierra Sheard
  • J Drew Sheard II
  • Drew’s Girl Publishing
  • J Drew Sheard Music
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Movin’ On

  • Jonathan McReynolds
  • Terrell Demetrius Wilson
  • Be Essential Songs
  • Fair Trade Global Songs
  • Life Room Songs
  • The Wilson Songbook Publishing
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Never Lost

  • Chris Brown
  • Steven Furtick
  • Tiffany Hudson
  • Be Essential Songs
  • Music By Elevation Worship Publishing
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Nobody Like Jesus

  • Ay Ron Ronell Lewis
  • Copyright Solutions Music
  • Straightchurch Publishing
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Patiently Praising

  • Fred Jerkins
  • Fred Jerkins Publishing
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
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Psalms 18 (I Will Call On The Name)

  • Todd Dulaney
  • Entertainment One Music
  • U Know It 2
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So Good

  • Sean Keys
  • Alayna Maberry
  • Adolphus “Scottie” Scott III
  • Smooth Tunes Publishing
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Speak To Me

  • Donnie McClurkin
  • Troy Taylor
  • Don Mac Music
  • No Quincydence Music Publishing
  • peermusic III, Ltd.
  • Savgos Music, Inc.
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Strong God

  • Kirk Franklin
  • Aunt Gertrude Music Publishing
  • Capitol CMG Publishing
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Thank You For It All

  • Jarmone E. Davis
  • Aaron Lindsey
  • Marvin Sapp
  • Capitol CMG Publishing
  • Five Lions Publishing
  • Jarmone Hoox Davis Publishing
  • Marvin L. Sapp Music
  • Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Songs
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Touch From You

  • Emerald Campbell
  • Andrew “Drew” Collins II
  • Quennel Gaskin
  • Tamela Mann
  • Rickey “Slikk Muzik” Offord
  • DrewMusic4U
  • Eppiefly Music
  • Music From Slikkmuzik Productions
  • Quennel Gaskin Productions
  • Songs of Reach Music
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Trouble Won’t Last

  • Keyondra Lockett
  • Jeshua “TedyP” Williams
  • Eyeam Family Publishing
  • Ruthies Babes Music