Gospel Powerhouse Jackie Patillo to Shine at BMI Christian Awards: Honored with Prestigious Spotlight Award for Decades of Divine Impact
Nashville, TN – The 2025 BMI Christian Awards are set to light up Music City with an unforgettable night of worship, celebration, and divine recognition! On June 17, BMI will host its annual ceremony at its Nashville office, where the brightest stars in Christian and Gospel music will gather to honor the year’s most anointed songwriters, publishers, and chart-topping hits.
But the night’s most powerful moment will belong to Gospel Music Association (GMA) President Jackie Patillo, who will receive the BMI Spotlight Award—a high honor celebrating her unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and tireless advocacy for Christian and Gospel music creators.
A Trailblazer for the Kingdom
For over three decades, Jackie Patillo has been a force of faith and excellence in the industry, shaping the careers of legends like Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton, and countless others. From her executive roles at Integrity Music, Verity Records, and beyond, to her transformative leadership at the GMA, Patillo has been a bridge-builder, uniting generations and styles under the banner of worship.
Leslie Roberts, BMI’s AVP of Creative, Nashville, praised Patillo’s legacy:
“Through Jackie’s dynamic leadership, innovative vision, and unwavering love for Christian and Gospel music, she’s brought the genres together with a message that unifies while reaching a new generation. Her work is inspiring, and we’re thrilled to honor her with this award.”
A Night of Divine Celebration
Hosted by BMI’s Leslie Roberts and President & CEO Mike O’Neill, the private event will also crown:
Christian Songwriter of the Year
Song of the Year
Publisher of the Year
The 25 Most-Performed Christian Songs of 2024
This gathering isn’t just about awards—it’s about celebrating the heartbeat of worship music and the creators who pour their faith into every lyric and melody.
A Legacy of Leadership
Patillo’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. As Co-Executive Producer of the GMA Dove Awards (seen by 3 million viewers annually on TBN), a Stellar Gospel Music Hall of Famer, and namesake of the Jackie Patillo Leadership Dove Award, she has left an indelible mark on Gospel music history.
Now, she joins an elite group of Spotlight Award recipients, including Dottie Leonard Miller and Randy Edelman, cementing her place among music’s most impactful leaders.
Tune In & Celebrate!
Can’t attend? Follow the conversation using #BMIChristianAwards and visit BMI.com for updates. A post-event recap, photos, and video will be shared for all to witness this night of glory and gratitude.
About BMI:
For over 80 years, BMI has championed music creators worldwide, ensuring their voices—and their worship—are heard.
About Jackie Patillo:
A Gospel icon, hall of famer, and kingdom leader, Jackie Patillo continues to elevate Christian and Gospel music to new heights, proving that when God’s people lead, the world listens.
