By: Mike Crooks
American hip-hop artist Lecrae was left nearly speechless after snaring two Christian category awards at this year’s Grammys.
At the 66th annual Grammy Awards at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, the popular artist won Contemporary Christian Album for Church Clothes 4, and Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for Your Power – recorded with Christian singer-songwriter Tasha Cobb Leonard.
“I don’t even have words at this point and time,” Lecrae, 44, said during the event. “At the end of the day, so many people put so much hard work into this music, into this project.”
On Instagram later, the married father-of-three said: “I’m celebrating that after so many trials, failure, and pain… He still sees fit to use me.
“I’m grateful for everyone who has been a part of my journey, and I honestly wouldn’t be the me I am without you all.”
Best Gospel music
Meanwhile, Christian artist Tye Tribbett won Best Gospel Album for All Things New: Live In Orlando. Tribbett co-pastors the LiVe Church in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Shanté Tribbett.
“Gratitude floods my soul as I stand here,” said the singer and father-of-two on accepting the award.
“This honour is not just a recognition of my music, but a celebration of the incredible journey we’ve shared in faith.”
And Blind Boys Of Alabama won Best Gospel Roots album for Echoes Of The South.
The historic group, which was founded in 1939 and has had a changing roster of vision-impaired musicians and singers, has now won six Grammys overall. Long-time leader of the group, Jimmy Carter, recently retired at the age of 91.
“We’re grateful for what Jimmy has done, but we are going to do great things through God that has made us,” said current member Ricky McKinnie. “We thank God for Jimmy Carter and all of the guys that have been before him.”
“Thank you Jesus”
For his 20th Grammy, revered Gospel artist Kirk Franklin won the award for Best Gospel Performance/Song, for All Things.
In an Instagram video before his win, Franklin confessed of having “a lot of anxiety about award shows.” He added that he does not like to compete against his friends.
“Thank you Jesus for Gospel music,” the 54-year-old Texan said in his emotional acceptance speech, during which he also thanked his wife Tammy and four children.
Worthy achievement
Finally, the legendary Detroit gospel group the Clark Sisters were honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The group, who have been performing since 1966, had previously won two Grammys.
The Clarks — Jacky, Denise, Elbernita, Dorinda, and Karen — are the best-selling female gospel group in history.
“It was a gift God gave us; we loved to sing, and that was it,” Dorinda told a local newspaper. “Our mum was the one who saw the gift in her girls and began to really invest in that gift.”
For the Grammy Awards full winner’s list, visit here.
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Lecrae/Instagram