BMI 2026 Christian Awards Honors Genre’s Top Songs, Writers, Publishers

Songs honored during the evening include "Made For More," "Altar," and "Goodbye Yesterday." L-R: BMI's Mike Steinberg, BMI's Leslie Roberts, Capitol CMG Publishing's Ellie McKay, Capitol CMG Publishing’s David Gutekunst, First-time BMI award winning songwriter Jessie Early, First-time BMI award winning songwriter Blake Wiggins, BMI songwriter Jonathan Smith, Be Essential Songs’ Jamie Rodgers, Be Essential Songs' Holly Zabka, Be Essential Songs’ Jannah Smitherman, BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI’s Todd Horvath and BMI’s Clay Bradley pose after winning BMI’s Song of the Year for “Made For More” at the 2026 BMI Christian Awards. Larry McCormack for BMI Trending on Billboard BMI celebrated the songwriters and publishers behind 25 of its most-performing Christian music songs over the past year, during a celebration held at BMI’s Nashville office on Wednesday (July 22). “Made For More,” written by Jessie Early, Jonathan Smith and Blake Wiggins, was named BMI’s Christian song of the year. The hit, recorded by Josh Baldwin, was Baldwin’s first No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian AC Airplay chart. Related Steven Furtick was named BMI Christian songwriter of the year, and wrote three of the 25 most-performed songs: “Another One,” “Goodbye Yesterday,” and “Lion.” Capitol CMG Publishing took home publisher of the year, representing 19 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year, including “Made For More,” as well as “Altar,” “Grave Robber,” “If I Got Jesus,” “My God Can,” “Somebody Prayed,” “Take You At Your Word,” “The Truth” and “Who Else.” The event was led by BMI’s assistant vp of creative, Nashville Leslie Roberts; executive vp, chief revenue and creative officer, Mike Steinberg; and BMI’s CEO Mike O’Neill. The 2026 BMI Christian Awards were sponsored by Studio Bank. 2018 BMI Compass Award recipient Elwyn Raymer opened the evening with a prayer, while performances included Belle Frantz performing “Amazing Grace.” Steven Curtis Chapman welcomed Drew Parker to the stage for a performance of “Blame Jesus,” while Jamie MacDonald closed the evening with a rendition of “Left It In The River.” Other songs celebrated during the event included “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 alongside Steven Musso; and “Unsung Hero,” written by Luke Smallbone. The evening also celebrated 18 first-time award winners, including Leanna Crawford, Frankie Holleman, Zachary Kale, Patrick Mayberry, Steven Musso and Megan Woods. Daily newsletters straight to your inbox Sign Up More From Pro