The Grammy Awards are this Sunday, February 8th, being broadcast live from Los Angeles.

When the nominees were announced, I said I’d give my predictions later.  It’s now “later” and here’s how I think the statue distribution might go…

Best Gospel Performance

“I Understand” by Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Bebe Winans & Mariah Carey
Track from: Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Volume One

“East To West” by Casting Crowns
Track from: The Altar And The Door Live

“Get Up” by Mary Mary
Track from: The Sound

“Shall We Gather At The River” by Take 6
Track from: The Standard

“Waging War” by CeCe Winans
Track from: Thy Kingdom Come

I’m predicting CeCe Winans on this one.  As I’ll mention throughout my predictions, name recognition goes a loooooong way with all of these music awards.  If folks haven’t heard the album, they think “hmm… Winans… they’re gospel legends.”  And they vote for them.  That’s not to say that she doesn’t deserve to win anyway, but I think she’s gonna regardless of merit.

Best Gospel Song

“Cover Me” - James L. Moss, songwriter (21:03 With Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful & J Moss)

“Get Up” – Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Warryn Campbell & Eric Dawkins, songwriters (Mary Mary)

“Give Me Your Eyes” – Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)

“Help Me Believe” – Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)

“You Reign” – Jim Bryson, Steven Curtis Chapman, Nathan Cochran, Barry Graul, Bart Millard, Mike Scheuchzer & Robby Shaffer, songwriters (MercyMe)

Arrggh… I’m gonna say Kirk Franklin.  But I’d also like to see J. Moss win for ”Cover Me”… I think it’s a great song.

Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album

Hello - After Edmund

Our World Redeemed - Flame

We Need Each Other – Sanctus Real

Rock What You Got – Superchick

Alive And Transported – TobyMac

I only know two of these people and, between ‘em, I am unfamiliar with both albums.  Here’s that name recognition business coming in: TobyMac.  I would also be thrilled if Flame won, but I dunno… In the end, rock and rap shouldn’t be in the same category, but that’s for another post.  I think people will give it to TobyMac.

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

This Moment – Steven Curtis Chapman

What If We – Brandon Heath

Opposite Way – Leeland

Hello Love – Chris Tomlin

Thy Kingdom Come – CeCe Winans

Tough category.  I’m persuaded to say Steven Curtis Chapman is going to take it home, regardless of the strength of the Winans name.  And a big part of me wants Chris Tomlin to win it cuz I soooo love his stuff and I think he’s underrated.  But I’ma say Steven Curtis Chapman.

Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album

Room For More – Booth Brothers

Lovin’ Life – Gaither Vocal Band

Steps To Heaven – Charlie Louvin

Hymned Again – Bart Millard

Ephesians One – Karen Peck & New River

Yeah right.  I have no clue and neither do you!  Gaither.  Moving on!!

Best Traditional Gospel Album

Down In New Orleans – The Blind Boys Of Alabama

I’ll Say Yes – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Take It Back – Dorinda Clark-Cole

Deitrick Haddon Presents . . . Together In Worship – Voices Of Unity

Bishop Charles E. Blake Presents… No Limit – The West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir

Oooooooh.  I want it to be Dorinda Clark-Cole.  BADLY.  But I dunno if she’ll beat the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.  They kinda always win… plus, I have several friends in that choir.  Ummm…I’m gonna say Dorinda.  But if it’s Brooklyn Tab, don’t be surprised AT ALL.

Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album

Reflections – Jason Champion

The Fight Of My Life – Kirk Franklin

The Sound – Mary Mary

Donald Lawrence Introduces: Family Prayer – The Murrills

Stand Out – Tye Tribbett & G.A.

This is gonna be controversial.  I’m going to say Kirk Franklin.  I think Jason Champion did a great job getting the nod.  And we love him.    The Murrills are great to me and I waited for a looong time for this debut album, but I don’t think enough people knew about it.  Mary Mary and Tye Tribbett are mainstays, but I don’t know if people enjoyed their albums as thoroughly as Kirk’s.  So, after the scales are balanced, I think Kirk is taking it.

Okay.  YOUR THOUGHTS???