Christian music was well represented at the 48th annual GRAMMY Awards last night, with many artists walking the red carpet, taking home awards and contributing to performances.

Singer CeCe Winans, already a six-time GRAMMY winner, took home awards for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for Purified (INO/Provident-Integrity) and the new Best Gospel Performance category for “Pray.”

Other winners in gospel categories included Donnie McClurkin, Gladys Knight and Yolanda Adams, who also appeared during the final performance of the evening with Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt and others.

Another previous GRAMMY winner, Amy Grant, took home an award for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Rock of Ages: Hymns & Faith (Word).

First-time GRAMMY nominee Casting Crowns was given the award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for Lifesong (Provident-Integrity).

“We were honored to represent Jesus and Christian music at the GRAMMY Awards this year, along with the other nominees in our category,” Casting Crowns singer Mark Hall said. “God is showing through us He can do whatever He wants with whomever He chooses. Our prayer is that we pointed to Jesus tonight, and this award is placed at His feet.”

ForeFront group Audio Adrenaline, whose members recently announced their impending retirement, won for Rock Gospel Album for Until My Heart Caves In (EMI CMG).

McClurkin took the Traditional Soul Gospel Album award for Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs (Verity), while Knight received the Gospel Choir or Gospel Chorus award as choir director for One Voice (Many Roads Records). Adams won Rock Gospel Song for “Be Blessed,” with James Harris III, Terry Lewis and James Q. Wright.

In mainstream categories, the big winners for the evening included the group U2, Mariah Carey and Kanye West.

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