If you have been following the StepFWD Awards over the years, you will know that Song of the Year has always been one of the biggest and most anticipated categories of the night.
From the different genres represented to the process of selecting the songs, there is quite a bit of history behind this category. I explained this extensively in my earlier article, 5 Years of Organising the Biggest Christian & Gospel Music Awards in the UK. If you haven’t read it yet, do have a look!
Now, back to this year’s Awards!
A total of 24 songs have been shortlisted for Song of the Year, with over 1,500 songs considered. Yes, over 1,500!
This year also marks a transition for the Awards. For the first time, data from the Official UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart has been included in the selection process, with every song that reached No. 1 considered alongside the UK Christian Charts approach used in previous years.
Speaking about this year’s category on Instagram, aStepFWD’s Head of Music, Dami Ade, highlighted the incredible year it has been for Christian and Gospel music in the UK, with releases across worship, rap, R&B, pop and more.
“We’ve had so many amazing releases across Gospel, worship, rap, R&B, pop and more. Trust me, narrowing it down to just 24 songs was not easy!”
He also confirmed that the eligibility period covers songs released between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026.
Now, enough of the suspense! The first six nominees have been revealed, and we’re about to find out who made the list.
Can we have a drum roll, please?
Here Are Your First Six Nominees!
CalledOut Music – Ancient of Days
Philippa Hanna & Israel Houghton – ‘Til The Whole World Knows
JERUB – Kumbaya
IMRHAN & Leostaytrill – Finished Business
Chantelle Rutendo – There’s This King That I Know
Elle Limebear – Give Me Joy
And there you have it! Our first six nominees for the 2026 StepFWD Awards Song of the Year!
Interestingly, this first batch includes several artists who have already enjoyed No. 1 success on the Official UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart, including JERUB, Chantelle Rutendo and Elle Limebear.
But beyond the chart positions, these are songs worth discovering, revisiting and adding to your playlist.
Haven’t listened to all six songs yet? We’ve made it easy for you! We’ve put together playlists on both YouTube and Spotify, so you can listen to the nominated songs, discover new favourites and revisit the ones you already love.
Who knows? Your next favourite song might just be waiting for you!
And remember, we’re only getting started! There are still 18 more songs to be revealed, with six nominees announced each day until Friday.
Once all 24 nominees have been unveiled, public voting will officially open, allowing you to choose your top three favourite songs from the shortlist. Voting will remain open for approximately two weeks, giving everyone enough time to listen and make their choices.
So, what do you think of the first six? Did your favourite song make the list, or are you keeping your fingers crossed for the next announcement?
Stay tuned to aStepFWD as we continue unveiling the nominees for the 2026 StepFWD Awards Song of the Year!
The sixth annual StepFWD Awards takes place on 21 November 2026 at The Lighthouse Theatre, London.
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