25 May 2021

Kanye West nabs Top Gospel Artist gong at 2021 Billboard Music Awards

His debut gospel album Jesus is King, soared to the top of the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, earning almost 200 million streams in its first week. For 65 consecutive weeks the project held the No 1 gospel album spot, only recently toppled by Israel and New Breeds Feels like Home Vol 1, followed by Cece Winans Believe for it. Album single Follow God spent 57 weeks as the most streamed gospel song following the album release. 

Wests second win of the night was Top Gospel Song for his June 2020 single Wash us in the blood, which is the lead single off his yet to be released album Donda  - formerly titled Gods Country. The billionaire businessman and rapper was a no-show at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, where the awards ceremony was held. The notoriously outspoken rapper has been conspicuously absent from the public eye since news of his divorce from Kim Kardashian broke.

With two albums nominated in the Top Gospel Album category, new kids on the block; Maverick CityMusic, were destined to win the award. The group are gearing up for the release of their newly recorded Juneteenth project which features Jonathan McReynolds, Bri Babineaux, Todd Dulaney and Jekalyn Carr.

Unlike other award shows which have membership organisations and voting committees, according to producer Dick Clark: the BBMA finalists and winners are determined by performance on the Billboard charts ... BBMA finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music (including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, social engagement), tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including MRC Data.

Written by Akosua DF, Premier Gospel Presenter

Continuing his Gospel winning streak, rapper Kanye West beat the likes of Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs to win Top Gospel Artist at last nights Billboard Music Awards (BBMA).
Share this page...

Vote for Your Favourite Carol!

Tell us why your favourite holds a special place in your heart.

Help us crown the Premier Favourite Carol of 2024 by voting for your top three songs that best encapsulate the warmth of Christmas for you. Vote Now.

VOTE NOW

Premier Christmas Radio

We are SO excited to announce the return of Premier Christmas radio for a second year running! It's finally time to get festive with our pop-up Christmas radio station. Allow us to fill your days with HopePeaceJoy and Love this winter with our carefully crafted Christmas radio. Listen Now

Listen Now

Raise Your Praise

This winter autumn your favourite worship station will be advertising a message of hope and joy across the nation.  Share your blessing with us and help us raise a true spirit of praise on Premier Praise throughout the month of November. Either send us a message at [email protected] saying how God has blessed you through one of these tracks, or better still send us a voice note on our WhatsApp number 0303 040 4000

FIND OUT MORE