Kierra Sheard Wins BMI Impact Award at 2026 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards
The singer-songwriter also shared the gospel songwriter of the year honor with her brother J Drew Sheard II and Kerry Douglas.
Kierra Sheard was the star of the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, taking home the BMI Impact Award and sharing the night's top songwriting honor. The ceremony, held July 21 at BMI’s Nashville office, recognized Sheard for her influence on the genre's future. She was also named BMI’s gospel songwriter of the year in a three-way tie with her brother, J Drew Sheard II, and Kerry Douglas.
What other awards were given?
Chandler Moore's single "Lead Me On" was named BMI's gospel song of the year. The track, co-written by Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore and Jeff Pardo, gave Moore his first solo No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart. Capitol CMG Publishing earned the publisher of the year title for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs.
What happened at the ceremony?
Mike Steinberg, BMI’s executive vice president, presented Sheard with the Impact Award. "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," he said. In her acceptance, Sheard reflected on her journey. "God has a way to reward faithfulness before He rewards popularity," she shared. She added her thanks to BMI for "pushing gospel music forward."
The event featured tribute performances from Darrel Walls, DOE, and Tasha Cobb Leonard, and concluded with Sheard singing her hit "You Are." According to Billboard, the private afternoon ceremony, hosted by BMI executives, also highlighted 16 first-time winners.
Full Winners List
- WinnerKierra Sheard
- WinnerKierra Sheard
- WinnerJ Drew Sheard II
- WinnerKerry Douglas
- WinnerJonathan Jay, Chandler Moore and Jeff Pardo — Lead Me On
- WinnerCapitol CMG Publishing
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs earned Kierra Sheard and her brother the songwriter of the year award?
Kierra Sheard and J Drew Sheard II were recognized for co-writing three of the most performed gospel songs of the previous year: "All Yours," "RAIN DOWN ON ME," and "Send It Down." This marked the second time the duo has won this title, after their first win in 2022.
Who hosted the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards?
The private afternoon ceremony was hosted by BMI’s CEO, Mike O’Neill; executive vice president and chief revenue & creative officer Mike Steinberg; and vice president of creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.
Which artists performed tributes for Kierra Sheard?
The tribute performances began with Darrel Walls singing "Indescribable," joined by DOE for a rendition of "This Is Me." Tasha Cobb Leonard ended the tributes with an uplifting performance of "Hang On," with Karen Clark Sheard and Tamela Mann singing along from the audience.
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