Mandisa and Tye Tribbett went home with a pair of awards each from the 56th annual Grammy Awards held Sunday evening in Los Angeles. The awards are the first Grammys won by either artist, though each has received nominations in previous years.
Mandisa’s Overcomer won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, while the titular single from the album took home the prize for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. Mandisa was inspired by Good Morning America host Robin Roberts’ health battle in writing the song.
The singer was not at the Grammys, and explained in a Facebook post why she chose not to attend the ceremony.
“I knew that submerging myself into an environment that celebrates [corruption and things of the world] was risky for me at this time,” Manidsa wrote. “Perhaps being alone with Him as my name was announced was protecting myself from where my flesh would have tried to drag me had I been up on that stage.”
Although she kept her distance from attending, Mandisa was honored to be recognized for her work saying,
“I know I keep saying it, but whose life is this?!,” said an overwhelmed Mandisa after watching the awards being presented during the GRAMMY® pre-telecast online. “I am utterly shocked and thankful for the honors the academy awarded myself and the songwriters! Childhood memories of singing into my curling iron in the bathroom to my Whitney Houston cassette tapes and flying to the American Idol audition in 2005, came flooding to my mind as my name was announced…and then the tears came flooding down my face!”
“The list of people I am thankful for could go on and on,” she continued, “but that list would have to include Capitol Christian Music Group, my producers, Chris Stevens and David Garcia, and every songwriter who helped me put all that God has been showing me to melody. You helped make Overcomer an album that speaks life, hope, and encouragement to so many, including me. Most importantly, while this affirmation feels unbelievable, I lay this trophy at the feet of my Jesus in humility, honor and gratitude for all He has done in, to, and through me: ‘You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4 (NIV).'”
Mandisa wasn’t the only one taken aback from the secular themed awards. Christians voiced their opinion loudly as a mass gay wedding was officiated LIVE at the Grammy’s.
