Detroit-born Gospel Great CeCe Winans Hoping for 18th Grammy Award

The 68th Grammy Awards could be a divine experience for the Motor City music icon.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Though it's a light year for Motor City nominees in general, CeCe Winans is, as usual, representing the metro area in the gospel and Christian field. With 17 Grammys already on her mantle, Winans, who now calls Nashville home, is up for Best Gospel Performance/Song for 'Come Jesus Come,' a collaboration with forebear Shirley Caesar.

Why it matters

Winans is a Detroit-born gospel legend who has dominated the genre for decades, winning 17 Grammy Awards. Her latest nomination highlights the continued influence and impact of Detroit's rich musical heritage, even as the city faces challenges.

The details

The Grammys take place on Sunday, Feb. 1, at Crypto.com Arena, with the gospel awards likely presented during the Premiere Ceremony, which streams at 3:30 p.m. Winans will be up against Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and John Legend, Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts, and Pastor Mike Jr. in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category.

  • The 68th Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • The Premiere Ceremony, where the gospel awards will likely be presented, streams at 3:30 p.m. on February 1, 2026.

The players

CeCe Winans

A Detroit-born gospel singer and 17-time Grammy Award winner who is nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song at the 2026 Grammys.

Shirley Caesar

A gospel singer and long-time collaborator of CeCe Winans, with whom she recorded the nominated song 'Come Jesus Come'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Though it's a light year for Motor City nominees in general, CeCe Winans is, as usual, representing the metro area in the gospel and Christian field.”

— Gary Graff, Author (thenewsherald.com)

What’s next

The winners of the 68th Grammy Awards, including the Best Gospel Performance/Song category, will be announced during the main ceremony broadcast at 8 p.m. on February 1, 2026.

The takeaway

CeCe Winans' continued success and recognition at the Grammys underscores Detroit's enduring influence on gospel and Christian music, even as the city faces broader economic and social challenges. Her 18th potential Grammy win would cement her status as a true Detroit music icon.