CeCe Winans holds a place in music history that few artists in any genre can claim. With her 18th Grammy in 2026, she became the most decorated female gospel singer ever. Here is a look at the remarkable Grammy history behind that milestone.

Eighteen Grammys and counting
Across her career, Winans has collected 18 Grammy Awards, a staggering total for any artist.
Tying an icon
Her 2026 win tied her with the late Aretha Franklin at 18, placing her among music’s true greats.
The 2026 winning song
She won for “Come Jesus Come,” a collaboration with the legendary Shirley Caesar.
Decades of nominations
Her Grammy story spans more than thirty years of nominations and wins.
Wins with BeBe
Some of her early recognition came alongside her brother BeBe during their celebrated duo years.
Solo triumphs
As a solo artist she continued to win, proving her staying power across eras.
Gospel on the biggest stage
Her wins have repeatedly put gospel music in the mainstream spotlight.
A record that may stand for years
Reaching 18 Grammys sets a bar few gospel artists will approach.
Why the record matters
It reflects not just talent but decades of consistency and devotion to her craft.
Gospel on music’s biggest night
Every Winans win brings gospel to the center of the Grammy stage, a genre that rarely gets that spotlight.
Consistency across eras
Her wins span duo years and a long solo career, proving her artistry has never faded.
A benchmark for the genre
Younger gospel artists now measure their ambitions against her remarkable record.
A milestone with meaning
For Winans, the awards are less about competition and more about honoring the music’s purpose.
A record with cultural weight
Tying Aretha Franklin is not just a statistic; it places a gospel artist alongside one of the most celebrated voices in American music. That comparison alone signals how far Winans has carried her genre.
Longevity as an achievement
Winning across decades, rather than in a single hot streak, is what makes her Grammy count so remarkable. It reflects sustained excellence rather than a moment.
A door for gospel
Each win reminds the wider industry that gospel belongs on music’s biggest stage, helping open doors for the artists who follow her.






Image sources: All photographs on this page come from Wikimedia Commons and are used under their respective free licences, with credit to each photographer as shown in the captions above.



GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings