Amy Grant is finally getting some well-deserved recognition for her work, landing among 2022’s Kennedy Center honorees. The CCM icon (or “Queen of Christian Pop,” as the Center itself correctly put it) was one of five honorees this year, alongside Tania León, George Clooney, U2 and Gladys Knight.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine ever receiving this prestigious Kennedy Center Honors,” said Grant in a statement. “I cannot wait to celebrate with my fellow honorees, friends, and family. Thank you for widening the circle to include all of us.”
Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein released his own statement, saying Grant earned the honor since she “became the first artist to bring contemporary Christian music to the forefront of American culture, then equally thrived after crossing over into mainstream pop with hit after hit, and today is revered as the ‘Queen of Christian Pop.’”
Well, duh. Frankly, it’s about time Grant got a little bit of recognition. Few CCM artists had achieved her level of success, moving over 30 million albums, clocking a billion streams and scoring over a dozen gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums. Her 1991 Heart In Motion scored a huge hit with “Baby, Baby.” We could go on but, well, if you’re reading RELEVANT, you probably know who Amy Grant is.
In the past, the Kennedy Center has recognized gospel musicians like Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin. But Grant is really the first CCM artist to go the distance. She’ll be officially recognized with the rest of the honorees at a December gala at the Kennedy Opera House, and the show will be broadcast later. Congratulations to everyone. Take it away, Amy!
