Kierra Sheard was honored with the BMI Impact Award at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held Tuesday, July 21, at BMI's Nashville office - and she used the moment to point straight back to her faith.
"God has a way to reward faithfulness before He rewards popularity," Sheard told the crowd, "and it is a reminder that if you keep saying yes, He knows exactly where to find you." She also thanked BMI directly, adding, "What matters is what you represent, that someone still believes in a song that is worth protecting and paying for."
Sheard was also named BMI's Gospel Songwriter of the Year, in a three-way tie with her brother J Drew Sheard II and songwriter Kerry Douglas, recognized for co-writing hits including "All Yours," "RAIN DOWN ON ME," and "Send It Down" - marking her second win in that category since 2022.
The tribute portion of the night opened with a video message from Sheard's aunt, gospel legend and 2024 honoree Dorinda Clark-Cole, followed by performances from Darrel Walls and DOE. Tasha Cobbs Leonard closed out the tributes with a rousing rendition of "Hang On," with Sheard's mother, Karen Clark Sheard, and Tamela Mann singing along from the audience. Sheard herself closed the ceremony performing her hit song "You Are."
Elsewhere in the ceremony, BMI's Gospel Song of the Year went to "Lead Me On," co-written by Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore, and Jeff Pardo, while Capitol CMG Publishing was named Publisher of the Year.
For Sheard - daughter of Karen Clark Sheard and Bishop J. Drew Sheard, and granddaughter of gospel choral director Mattie Moss Clark - the honor adds to a legacy already carrying four Grammy nominations, seven Stellar Awards, and three Dove Awards, all rooted in a career that began in her church choir.
Related Article: Kierra Sheard to Receive BMI Impact Award at 2026 Gospel Music Awards
