Ricky Dillard Earns Dual GRAMMY® Nominations, Celebrates Gospel Excellence with Choirmaster II and ‘Hold On (Live)’

Renowned gospel icon Ricky Dillard has earned two prestigious GRAMMY® nominations for 2025, marking his seventh career nod and celebrating a remarkable legacy of soul-stirring gospel music. His latest album, Choirmaster II, released under Motown Gospel, is nominated for Best Gospel Album, while his heartfelt track “Hold On (Live)” is nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song. Choirmaster II showcases Dillard’s enduring commitment to the transformative power of gospel, weaving profound spirituality with his signature choir-driven sound that has captivated audiences for over 30 years. These nominations recognize Dillard’s exceptional ability to transcend boundaries, connecting deeply with listeners and keeping gospel music relevant and inspirational for new generations.

In addition to his album success, Dillard brought his legendary expertise as the gospel arranger for the highly anticipated film adaptation of The Color Purple, featuring Fantasia, Taraji P. Henson, and Danielle Brooks. His collaboration infused the movie’s musical narrative with gospel’s emotional and spiritual resonance, making him an invaluable creative force on the project. As noted by Walter Thomas, Vice President of Artist Development at Motown Gospel, “Ricky’s artistry and passion for gospel music shine through in everything he creates.” Dillard’s influence goes beyond music alone; his visionary input in The Color Purple elevates both the cinematic and musical experiences, leaving an indelible mark on audiences around the world. Don’t miss Dillard’s cameo in the film’s opening scene, and read more about his creative process in a recent Okayplayer interview.