The 2017 gospel/contemporary picks features lots of new artists and surprising collaboration projects. Without Lecrae under any of this year’s categories, this year could be the first in which all first-time nominees could become certified Grammy winners (see 2016 list here).

Best Gospel Performance/Song – Songwriter’s Award (Category 36)
Shirley Caesar (feat. Anthony Hamilton) – It’s Alright, It’s Ok
Songwriters: Stanley Brown and Courtney Rumble
Jekalyn Carr – You’re Bigger [Live]
Songwriters: Allundria Carr
Travis Greene – Made A Way [Live]
Songwriters: Travis Greene
Tamela Mann – God Provides
Songwriters: Kirk Franklin
Hezekiah Walker – Better
Songwriters: Jason Clayborn, Gabriel Hatcher, and Hezekiah Walker

Who Should Win: Tamela Mann – God Provides

Who Will Win: Hezekiah Walker – Better

While Tamela is an undeniable vocalist with some of the best ballads within gospel, Hezekiah’s “Better” has more of an overall impact for both mainstream and Christian radio listeners.

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Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song – Songwriter’s Award (Category 37)
Lauren Daigle – Trust In You
Songwriters: Lauren Daigle, Michael Farren, and Paul Mabury
For King & Country – Priceless
Songwriters: Benjamin Backus, Seth Mosley, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, and Tedd Tjornhom
Natalie Grant – King Of The World
Songwriters: Natalie Grant, Becca Mizell, and Samuel Mizell
Hillary Scott & The Scott Family – Thy Will
Songwriters: Bernie Herms, Hillary Scott, and Emily Weisband
Zach Williams – Chain Breaker
Songwriters: Mia Fieldes, Jonathan Smith, and Zach Williams

Who Should Win: Hillary Scott & The Scott Family – Thy Will

Who Will Win: Lauren Daigle – Trust In You

Lady Antebellum’s frontwoman took a risk by changing direction for her Christian album, and it paid off and became one of the biggest songs (and videos) of the year. Lauren’s stripped-down “Trust”, however, is much more personally authentic and should garner her lots of young adult fans.

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Best Gospel Album (Category 38)
Tim Bowman Jr. – Listen
Shirley Caesar – Fill This House
Todd Dulaney – A Worshipper’s Heart [Live]
Kirk Franklin – Losing My Religion
William Murphy – Demonstrate [Live]

Who Should Win: William Murphy – Demonstrate [Live]

Who Will Win: Kirk Franklin – Losing My Religion

Live albums are always hard to beat in this category, which makes William Murphy’s ‘Demonstrate’ set just that much of a worthy challenger. Veteran Grammy winner Kirk Franklin’s ‘Religion’, however, would be the studio equivalent to Murphy’s greatness.

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Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (Category 39)
All Sons & Daughters – Poets & Saints
Crowder – American Prodigal
Natalie Grant – Be One
Hillsong Young & Free – Youth Revival [Live]
Hillary Scott & The Scott Family – Love Remains

Who Should Win: Natalie Grant – Be One

Who Will Win: Hillary Scott & The Scott Family – Love Remains

Although it’s quite surprising that Natalie Grant hasn’t won in this category despite being nominated numerous times before, Hillary Scott’s trial contemporary Christian project is a complete body of work to be reckoned with.