(RNS) Gospel singer CeCe Winans added two more trophies to her collection Feb. 8 at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. The Detroit-born artist earned awards for best contemporary soul gospel album for “Purified,” her seventh solo album, and best gospel performance for the album’s first single, “Pray.”
Gladys Knight and the Saints Unified Voices choir earned best gospel choir or chorus album for “One Voice.”
Other gospel category winners included:
— Best Gospel Song: “Be Blessed” by Yolanda Adams, James Harris III,
Terry Lewis & James Q. Wright
— Best Rock Gospel Album: “Until My Heart Caves In” by Audio Adrenaline
— Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album: “Lifesong” by Casting Crowns
— Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album: “Rock of Ages,
Hymns & Faith” by Amy Grant
— Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album: “Psalms Hymns & Spiritual Songs” by Donnie McClurkin
The show featured several performances by gospel artists, including the Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, who sang with Mariah Carey; Robert Randolph, who lent his guitar prowess to Aerosmith in a tribute to Sly Stone; and Yolanda Adams, who sang during the show’s finale in a tribute to New Orleans.
Irish rock band U2 swept up five Grammys. U2 lead singer Bono, an international advocate for the poor, spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington Feb. 2.
