| BMI honored the year’s top Christian songwriters, publishers and songs during the 2026 BMI Christian Awards, held at its Nashville office on Music Row. The private event recognized the songwriters and music publishers behind the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year and announced the Christian Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year. The ceremony was hosted by Leslie Roberts, BMI’s AVP of Creative, Nashville; Mike Steinberg, BMI’s EVP, Chief Revenue and Creative Officer; and BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill. Christian Song of the Year BMI’s Christian Song of the Year was awarded to “Made For More,” written by Jessie Early, Jonathan Smith and Blake Wiggins, and recorded by Josh Baldwin. The song has surpassed 95 million global streams and became Baldwin’s first No. 1 single on Billboard’s Christian AC Airplay chart. Before announcing the top honor, BMI recognized the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year. Among the songs recognized were: “Altar” — written by Forrest Frank, Lasanna “Ace” Harris, Steve Rice and Willie Scott Jr. “Nothin’ Sweeter” — written by TobyMac and Jordan Mohilowski. “Running Back To You” — written by Seph Schlueter. “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” — written by Charity Gayle and Steven Musso. “Unsung Hero” — written by Luke Smallbone. BMI also recognized 18 first-time award-winning songwriters, including Leanna Crawford, Frankie Holleman, Zachary Kale, Patrick Mayberry, Steven Musso and Megan Woods. Christian Songwriter of the Year Steven Furtick was named BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year after writing three of the year’s 25 most-performed songs: “Another One,” “GOODBYE YESTERDAY” and “LION.” Furtick serves as a songwriter and executive producer for Elevation Worship and Elevation Rhythm. His songwriting credits include multiple No. 1 Christian songs, including the 2025 BMI Christian Song of the Year, “Praise,” as well as “Graves Into Gardens” and “Talking to Jesus.” Publisher of the Year Capitol CMG Publishing received BMI Christian Publisher of the Year for representing 19 of the 25 most-performed Christian songs recognized during the awards period. The catalog included “Made For More,” “Altar,” “Grave Robber,” “If I Got Jesus,” “My God Can,” “Somebody Prayed,” “Take You At Your Word,” “The Truth,” and “Who Else.” Event Highlights The 2026 BMI Christian Awards were sponsored by Studio Bank. The event opened with a prayer from 2018 BMI Compass Award recipient Elwyn Raymer. Live performances included Belle Frantz performing the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Steven Curtis Chapman introduced Drew Parker, who performed “Blame Jesus,” and Jamie MacDonald closed the evening with her No. 1 single “Left It In The River.” A complete list of winners is available at awards.bmi.com/show/christian-2026. Photo caption: BMI executives, Capitol CMG Publishing representatives, Be Essential Songs representatives and songwriters Jessie Early, Jonathan Smith and Blake Wiggins celebrate after “Made For More” received BMI’s Christian Song of the Year award at the 2026 BMI Christian Awards in Nashville. Photo by Larry McCormack for BMI. |
Also Read: Sad Alex Opens Up About Her Songwriting Process, Social Media Strategy, and How She Approaches Suno
