Kierra Sheard Wins BMI Impact Award at Gospel Music Awards

BMI celebrated the best in gospel music on Tuesday, July 21, at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at BMI’s Nashville office, where Kierra Sheard received the BMI Impact Award in recognition of her career and impact on the future of gospel music.

Sheard was also honored as BMI’s gospel songwriter of the year in a three-way tie with her brother, J Drew Sheard II, and Kerry Douglas. The duo of J Drew and Kierra Sheard were recognized for co-writing their hits “All Yours,” “RAIN DOWN ON ME” and “Send It Down,” marking the second time they have won this title, after their first win in 2022.

BMI’s gospel song of the year went to “Lead Me On,” co-written by Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore and Jeff Pardo. Performed by Moore, the song was a single from his 2024 solo album, Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles, and brought Moore his first solo No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart. Capitol CMG Publishing received publisher of the year for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs.

Upon presenting Sheard with the BMI Impact Award, Mike Steinberg, executive vp and chief revenue & creative officer, said: “Today, we celebrate you for inspiring us through all your endeavors: your innovative songwriting, your powerful artistry and your ministry that touches hearts around the world.”

Sheard thanked her family and BMI, sharing that “God has a way to reward faithfulness before He rewards popularity.” She added, “If you keep saying yes, He knows exactly where to find you.” The ceremony concluded with Sheard performing her hit song “You Are.”