The Gospel Sounds Music Awards returned to Birmingham for its second annual celebration, recognizing gospel artists, choirs, musicians, broadcasters and industry professionals from Birmingham and beyond.
Founded by Dr. Robert Barnes, the Birmingham-based awards program was created to celebrate excellence in gospel music and ministry and bring together artists, fans and industry professionals. The 2026 ceremony was held Aug. 21 in Birmingham.
The 2026 Gospel Sounds Music Awards winners included:
- Artist of the Year: Amethyst
- Best New Artist: Mykal Powell
- Emerging Artist of the Year: Sylare Starks
- Male Artist of the Year: Kenneth Day Jr.
- Female Artist of the Year: Joye Tyler
- Worship & Praise Artist of the Year: Kenneth Day Jr.
- Mixed Group of the Year: Docta Coney & Manifest
- Contemporary Group of the Year: Trinity OneSound
- Quartet of the Year: Docta Coney & Manifest
- Community Choir of the Year: Decavis Thrasher & The Crystal Springs Mass Choir
- Church Choir of the Year: Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle
- Choir Director of the Year: Bryant Woods
- Praise/Liturgical Dance Ministry of the Year: Sabina Peace Troupe
- Gospel Hip Hop Artist of the Year: Keylosophy
- Musician of the Year: Joshua Brown
- Producer of the Year: James Jones
- Recorded Music Packaging: Frank McGee
- Gospel Radio Announcer of the Year: Lady Drina
- Gospel Radio Station of the Year: Worship 94.5 FM
- Internet Radio Announcer of the Year: Shoggy Shoggz
- Internet Radio Station of the Year: 4Ever Gospel
- Media/Marketing Company of the Year: WildPraize Music & Media
- Promoter of the Year: Dr. Darryl Gates
- International Artist of the Year: Praise Galaxy
The awards also continued their focus on honoring the legacy of gospel music. Birmingham gospel legend Katie Sankey was selected for induction into the Gospel Sounds Music Awards Hall of Fame, with Barnes previously describing Sankey as an icon in Alabama and across the country.
The Gospel Sounds Music Awards describes its mission as honoring excellence in music and ministry while highlighting the artists and industry professionals helping move gospel music forward.
