Here are my predictions and the winners for the Christian / Gospel Music Categories ...
BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE
For my money, nobody does a live Gospel performance better than Yolanda Adams. Her voice is one of the best out there, but that's not the sole component of her "magic" during a performance. Watching her sing is like seeing the light of the Lord, up close and personal. I would like to see her win with "Victory" from The Gospel — Soundtrack.
My prediction: - Yolanda Adams or Chris Tomlin for "Made To Worship".
The Winner: - Yolanda Adams
BEST GOSPEL SONG
Kirk Franklin's "Imagine Me" is one of my personal favorites on Hero. However, since it didn't get as much airplay as "Hero" did, the song may not get the win.
My prediction: - "Mountain Of God" by Third Day.
The Winner: - Kirk Franklin
BEST ROCK OR RAP GOSPEL ALBUM
Rock and holy hip-hop are pretty far apart on the spectrum, yet the GRAMMYs lump them together. For me, if it's about rock, DecembeRadio rocks it all the way to the winner's circle. Rap equals T-Bone any way I slice it.
My prediction: - Turn Around - Jonny Lang. Jonny has been in the game as a mainstream artist for a long time, and I think that will help push him to the top of the pile.
The Winner: - Jonny Lang
BEST POP/CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM
Three major names in Christian music share the ballot with two newcomers for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. Honestly, coming out of the gate, how do you compete with MercyMe, Third Day and Chris Tomlin?
My prediction: - MercyMe, since they are more Pop/Contemporary Gospel, not Southern Rock, like Third Day or Worship, like Chris Tomlin.
The Winner: - Third Day
BEST SOUTHERN, COUNTRY, OR BLUEGRASS GOSPEL ALBUM
The Gaither Vocal Band is a huge name in Southern Gospel music, but let's be real ... they're competing against Alan Jackson and Randy Travis, who are huge names - period!
My prediction: - It's a toss-up between Alan and Randy.
The Winner: - Randy Travis
BEST TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM
Israel & New Breed's Alive In South Africa is just about as good as it gets, but Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers comes in a close second.
My prediction: - Israel & New Breed.
The Winner: - Israel & New Breed
BEST CONTEMPORARY R&B GOSPEL ALBUM
This could be a hard one to call. Kirk Franklin vs. Israel And New Breed. But Israel's offering is a Christmas album, so that gives a leg up to Kirk. As much as I would like to see Kierra "Kiki" Sheard take the win, I think the name recognition factor will work against her since Kirk is more well known.
My prediction: - Kirk Franklin.
The Winner: - Kirk Franklin
Special congrats to Carrie Underwood for her wins in the Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song categories for "Jesus, Take The Wheel." Carrie also won the Best New Artist category.
