The 2026 SOAR Awards has announced the nominees for its 9th annual television taping which takes place on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Greenwood Oasis in Chicago, IL. “This year we move beyond simply honoring legends to recognizing current gospel artists, influencers and podcast creators as well,” says SOAR Awards founder, Justin Francis. This year’s program will introduce nine competitive categories.
The legendary CeCe Winans and quartet queen Lisa Knowles-Smith each earned three nominations. Social media phenom Madison Ryann Ward (currently on the airwaves with “Made New” duet with Jason Nelson) and Pastor Mike Jr. both earned two nominations. They will be honored alongside renowned vocalists Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond and Erica Campbell. They will also pay tribute to Pastor Chris Harris Sr. of the Bright Star Community Outreach in Chicago for his vast community philanthropy. There will be a special tribute to Bishop Leonard Scott, who specializes in recording hymns and who is also the founder of the oldest existing black gospel label in the USA, Tyscot Records. Scott’s tribute will celebrate Tyscot Records’ 50th Anniversary—a milestone moment in gospel music history.
Here are this year’s competitive nominations:
MOST PLAYED SONG OF THE YEAR
- Amen -Pastor Mike Jr.
- Goodness of God – Cece Winans
- Promises – Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers
- Work It Out for Me – Zacardi Cortez
MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Cece Winans
- Lisa Knowles-Smith
- Lisa Page Brooks
- Pastor Mike Jr.
CHURCH ANTHEM OF THE YEAR
- I Trust in God – Elevation Worship
- Promises – Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers
- Goodness of God – CeCe Winans
- P Slide (Music Only) – BBearded
- Your Name – Jovonta Patton
- Not Much Longer Now – Rich Tolbert, Jr.
PODCAST OF THE YEAR
- Preachers Talk – A Podcast
- The Deep End with Lecrae
- The William Moore Jr. Show
- The Isaac Carree Show
- The Jamal Bryant Podcast
FAN FAVORITE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Darrel Walls
- Jabari Johnson
- Lena Byrd-Miles
- Madison Ryann Ward
- Me’Kayla
- Melvin Crispell III
- Semaje
INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR
- Aldren McCullar
- Deanna Dixon
- Faith Jones
- Jolie x Apparel
PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
- Aldren McCullar
- KevOnStage
- Lexi
- Notkarlton Banks
- Will Johnson
BREAKOUT PREACHER OF THE YEAR
- Howard John Wesley
- Mark Moore
- Phillip Anthony Mitchell
- Valerie Moore
BREAKOUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Enrique Holmes
- Jordan G. Welch
- Madison Ryann ward
- Nathan Davis Jr.
- Sensere
The evening will be hosted by American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts and Billboard Music Award nominated gospel star, Kierra Sheard. Several leading artists have already been confirmed to perform. Gold-selling artists such as John P. Kee, Dante Bowe, Le’Andria Johnson and Anthony Brown & group therAPy will be joined by gospel crooner Jason Nelson
The event takes place Monday, March 2, 2026, at Greenwood Oasis, 7621 South Gr