CeCe Winans and DOE Shine at the 2025 Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards unfolded at the Crypto.com Arena, with Trevor Noah serving as the host for the evening. This Los Angeles venue became the center stage for recognizing stellar achievements in the music industry.
Among the notable winners, CeCe Winans received the awards for "Best Gospel Album" for her work on More Than This and "Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song" for her collaborative effort on "That's My King".
The song "That's My King," crafted with Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks, and Jess Russ, highlighted Winans’ exceptional contribution to contemporary Christian music.
Grammy Night Celebrates Music and Charity Alike
DOE, another distinguished Christian artist, won the "Best Contemporary Christian Music Album" award for Heart of a Human, defeating albums by popular artists like Elevation Worship, Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine, and Chandler Moore.
McReynolds' Life Room Label signed DOE in 2020 after she gained fame as a lead singer with Forever Jones. Her solo success has now earned her major recognition at the Grammys.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, and Israel Houghton collaborated with Jonathan McReynolds and Jekalyn Carr to win the "Best Gospel Performance/Song" award. The songwriting team behind this achievement included G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Naomi Raine.
Local Heroes and Businesses Honored During the Event
The Grammy ceremony not only celebrated music but also provided aid to those affected by recent natural disasters. The event raised over $7 million to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
During commercial breaks, the organizers recognized local businesses impacted by the wildfires, fostering a sense of community and collective support throughout the broadcast.
Los Angeles County firefighters, some of whom had personally suffered from the wildfires, presented the final award of the night, "Album of the Year," emphasizing the event’s connection to local heroes.
Powerful Statements from Award-Winning Artists
CeCe Winans expressed her gratitude, stating, "Winning a Grammy is always an incredible honor, but to be recognized for music that uplifts and inspires makes it even more special. I’m beyond grateful to God, my team, and the amazing supporters who continue to believe in the music and the message."
Jonathan McReynolds had hoped for DOE’s win, remarking before the awards, "She's amazing. I want her to get it. Everybody else nominated already has a Grammy, so they’ll be right. But I want this for her, so I’m praying for that."
McReynolds also highlighted the saturation of talent among the nominees, noting, "Israel doesn't need another Grammy. Tasha Cobbs doesn't need another one, but hopefully DOE can get one because she's been killing it."
CeCe Winans Shares Her Vision for the Future of CCM
Winans also spoke on her aspirations for the future of Contemporary Christian Music. "I hope CCM keeps growing and covers the world," she said, emphasizing the need to spread the message of the Gospel worldwide.
She further encouraged young believers, saying, "God has empowered them to be more than enough for this generation. I just want the young people to be who they are and take all the limits off. … God will take you farther than what you could ever imagine."
Previously recognized at the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards with "Artist of the Year" among other accolades, Winans’ continued success underscores her profound impact on the genre and her ability to inspire both the public and her peers.