Kierra Sheard Shines at 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards; Receives BMI Impact Award as “Lead Me On” and Capitol CMG Publishing Capture Top Honors
The gospel music community gathered in Nashville to celebrate the songwriters, artists, and publishers whose music continues to inspire audiences around the world, as BMI honored the industry’s biggest contributors during the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards.
Leading the afternoon’s celebration was award-winning singer, songwriter, author, and entrepreneur Kierra Sheard, who received the prestigious BMI Impact Award, recognizing her remarkable influence on gospel music and her continued impact on the next generation of artists and worship leaders.
The honor marked yet another milestone in Sheard’s already decorated career, but it wasn’t her only victory of the afternoon.
Sheard also tied for BMI Gospel Songwriter of the Year alongside her brother J Drew Sheard II and acclaimed songwriter Kerry Douglas, with each songwriter contributing to three of the year’s most-performed gospel songs.
For Kierra and J Drew, the recognition came for their work on “All Yours,” “RAIN DOWN ON ME,” and “Send It Down,” marking the second time the siblings have captured the prestigious songwriting honor after first winning together in 2022.
One of the ceremony’s biggest moments came when “Lead Me On,” written by Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore, and Jeff Pardo, was named BMI Gospel Song of the Year. Performed by Chandler Moore, the powerful worship anthem became a standout single from his acclaimed album Chandler Moore: Live In Los Angeles, spending an impressive 28 weeks on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart while becoming Moore’s first No. 1 single as a solo artist.
The celebration also recognized Capitol CMG Publishing as BMI Gospel Publisher of the Year, honoring the publisher’s outstanding contributions to many of the year’s most-performed gospel songs.
The afternoon featured heartfelt tributes celebrating Kierra Sheard’s extraordinary career. A touching video message from her aunt, Dorinda Clark-Cole, opened the presentation, followed by emotional remarks from her mother, gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard, who congratulated her daughter on the well-deserved recognition.
Musical tributes followed from some of gospel’s biggest voices.
Darrel Walls performed “Indescribable,” while DOE delivered an inspiring rendition of “This Is Me.” The celebration concluded with Tasha Cobbs Leonard bringing the audience to its feet with an uplifting performance of “Hang On,” as Karen Clark Sheard and Tamela Mann joyfully sang along from the audience.
Presenting the BMI Impact Award, BMI Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg praised Sheard’s lasting influence on the genre.
“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 shared.
Accepting the award, Sheard reflected on the faith that has guided her journey.
“God has a way to reward faithfulness before He rewards popularity, and tonight is a reminder that if you keep saying yes, He knows exactly where to find you,” she said before thanking BMI for its unwavering support of gospel music and the songwriters who continue shaping the genre.
The ceremony concluded fittingly with Kierra Sheard leading the room in a powerful performance of her hit song “You Are,” bringing the afternoon to a worship-filled close.
In addition to honoring the industry’s established voices, BMI also recognized 16 first-time award winners, celebrating a new generation of gospel songwriters whose creativity continues pushing the genre forward.
From honoring legendary voices to celebrating emerging talent, the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards once again highlighted the power of gospel music, proving that songs rooted in faith continue to unite, inspire, and transform lives across generations.
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