BMI honored the brightest voices in gospel music during the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at the organization’s Nashville headquarters. The private celebration recognized the year’s top songwriters, publishers, and performers, with multiple award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Kierra Sheard taking center stage as the recipient of the prestigious BMI Impact Award for her extraordinary career and lasting influence on the future of gospel music.
Sheard also celebrated another major milestone, earning Gospel Songwriter of the Year in a three-way tie with her brother J Drew Sheard II and acclaimed songwriter Kerry Douglas. “Lead Me On” was named Gospel Song of the Year, while Capital CMG Publishing received the coveted Publisher of the Year honor. The ceremony also recognized the most-performed gospel songs of the past year and was hosted by BMI CEO Mike O’Neill, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg, and Vice President of Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.
Douglas earned his fifth BMI Award after being recognized for penning three of the year’s most-performed songs: “Don’t Give Up,” “Windows,” and “Without You.” Meanwhile, siblings Kierra Sheard and J Drew Sheard II shared the Songwriter of the Year honor for co-writing “All Yours,” “RAIN DOWN ON ME,” and “Send It Down.” The win marks the second time the brother-and-sister duo has received the distinction, following their first victory in 2022.
The presentation of the BMI Impact Award featured heartfelt tributes from those closest to Sheard. A touching video message from her aunt, gospel legend and 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music honoree Dorinda Clark-Cole, set the tone, while her mother, Karen Clark Sheard, delivered an emotional speech celebrating her daughter’s remarkable journey and calling the recognition “well deserved.”
Presenting the award, Steinberg praised Sheard’s remarkable contributions to the genre, saying, “Today, we celebrate you for inspiring us through all your endeavors your innovative songwriting, your powerful artistry, and your ministry that continues to touch hearts around the world.”
Accepting the afternoon’s highest honor, Sheard reflected on her faith-filled journey with an inspiring message.
“God has a way of rewarding faithfulness before He rewards popularity,” she shared. “Today is a reminder that if you keep saying yes, He knows exactly where to find you.”
She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to BMI for its continued support of gospel music.
“Thank you for pushing gospel music forward. You make this industry worth staying in. What matters is that someone still believes in songs that are worth protecting and paying for.”
The celebration concluded on a powerful note as Sheard brought the room to its feet with a soul-stirring performance of her hit song, “You Are,” sending guests home inspired and ending the afternoon with an unforgettable moment of praise.
Catherine Brewton, VP of Creative, BMI Atlanta, Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard
Marc Jay, Kierra Sheard, Jordan Kelly (Kierra’s husband)
(Photos by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
