Detroit Native CeCe Winans Wins 18th Grammy Award

Gospel legend ties Aretha Franklin's record for most Grammy wins by a Detroit artist.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Gospel singer CeCe Winans, a native of Detroit, won her 18th Grammy Award on Sunday night, tying the record held by the late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Winans, who grew up in a musical family in Detroit, expressed gratitude and humility at reaching this milestone, noting her special connection to the city and its musical legacy.

Why it matters

CeCe Winans' 18th Grammy win is a significant achievement that solidifies her status as a gospel music legend. Her ties to Detroit, where she was raised and where the musical legacy of Aretha Franklin looms large, make this accomplishment even more meaningful for the local community.

The details

Winans won the Grammy for Best Gospel Performance/Song for her duet with Shirley Caesar, "Come Jesus Come." As a child growing up in a family of 10 musical siblings in Detroit, Winans would playact Grammy acceptance speeches with her family. Now, she has achieved that dream, joining the ranks of fellow Detroit icon Aretha Franklin with 18 career Grammy wins.

  • CeCe Winans won her 18th Grammy Award on Sunday, February 2, 2026 at the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony.
  • Winans grew up in Detroit as one of 10 musical siblings, imagining Grammy acceptance speeches as a child.

The players

CeCe Winans

A gospel singer and Detroit native who has won 18 Grammy Awards, tying the record held by fellow Detroiter Aretha Franklin.

Aretha Franklin

The late Queen of Soul, who was also from Detroit and held the record for most Grammy wins by a Detroit artist with 18 prior to Winans' latest victory.

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What they’re saying

“To be receiving my 18th Grammy Award is just, it's pretty amazing. It's a humbling, grateful feeling.”

— CeCe Winans (fox2detroit.com)

“Aretha Franklin, the one and only Aretha Franklin. We were blessed not only to be from the same city, but I had a chance to record with her. BeBe and I did You've Got a Friend with her. To be in this category with her, with 18 awards, again, another humbling experience—and I just think the world of her still.”

— CeCe Winans (fox2detroit.com)

What’s next

Winans is expected to return to Detroit in the coming weeks to celebrate her historic Grammy win with family and the local community.

The takeaway

CeCe Winans' 18th Grammy win, tying the record held by the legendary Aretha Franklin, is a testament to her enduring talent and her deep roots in the Detroit music scene. This achievement solidifies Winans' status as a gospel icon while also honoring the rich musical heritage of her hometown.