Broadcast Music, Inc. honored gospel legends Pastor Shirley Caesar and all-male gospel group Commissioned. Shirley Caesar, the gospel artist with 11 Grammys, sat back and relaxed as Beverly Crawford, Kim Burrell and Lucinda Moore sang some of her greatest hits. Ledisi was the last to perform, turning Caesar’s “You’re Next in Line for a Miracle” into a deeply personal tribute filled with scat and vocal runs. She thanked Caesar for encouraging her and paving the way for gospel artists. After Caesar made her way to the stage to accept her statue, the choir director told her she was supposed to sing a song. Caesar said flat out, “No, I’m the one being honored so I don’t have to sing.” But not two seconds later she said, “But I will say this…” and burst into a brief impassioned song.

Brother and sister duo, Bebe and Cece Winans were also awarded for their song “Close to You,” which was the most played gospel song of the past year.

Lastly the Detroit based gospel group, Commissioned, were serenaded by the likes of The Clark Sisters who sang “I’m Going On” and Men of Standard who performed a medley, featuring the group’s song “Running Back to You.” Lastly Marvin Sapp, a former member of Commissioned, and several other men sang “King of Glory.” Before he sang Sapp said being in the group taught him to be a man, a husband and a father. He stopped himself, saying he was about to lose it. Although Commissioned originally consisted of six members, over a dozen men graced the stage to accept their award.