The 57th NAACP Image Awards unfolded on February 28, 2026, with additional virtual announcements throughout the final week of the month, continuing a long-standing tradition of honoring excellence across film, television, literature, and music.
Few institutions carry the same historic weight in recognizing Black achievement in entertainment. In music, the NAACP Image Awards occupy a distinct space.
This year’s winners reflected the commanding presence of hip-hop and contemporary R&B in 2025. Cardi B emerged as one of the night’s central figures, with her album Am I The Drama? securing Outstanding Album.
Elsewhere, Kendrick Lamar and SZA earned recognition for “luther,” which claimed Outstanding Music Video. Monaleo was named Outstanding New Artist.
See the full list of winners in music categories below.
Outstanding Album
Am I the Drama? – Cardi B *WINNER*
Beloved – Giveon
Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T, Malice
Mutt Deluxe: Heel – Leon Thomas
SOS Deluxe: Lana – SZA
Outstanding New Artist
Elmiene
Lee Vasi
Madison McFerrin
Monaleo *WINNER*
Ravyn Lenae
Outstanding Male Artist
Bryson Tiller
Chris Brown
Giveon
Leon Thomas
Kendrick Lamar *WINNER*
Outstanding Female Artist
Alex Isley
Cardi B *WINNER*
Doechii
SZA
Teyana Taylor
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
Boots on the Ground (Remix)” – 803Fresh feat. Fantasia *WINNER*
“Chains & Whips” – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice
“For Good” – Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande
“Jesus I Do” – Mariah Carey with The Clark Sisters
“Let Freedom Ring” – Travis Greene with Andra Day
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
“It Depends (Remix)” – Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher *WINNER*
“Safe” – Cardi B feat. Kehlani
“Worst Behavior” – Kwn feat. Kehlani
“The Mood” – FLO
“Mutt (Remix)” – Leon Thomas feat. Chris Brown
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
“It Depends” – Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller *WINNER*
“Folded” – Kehlani
“Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist
“Yes It Is” – Leon Thomas
“Bed of Roses” – Teyana Taylor
Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
“ErrTime” – Cardi B *WINNER*
“Anxiety” — Doechii
“Chains & Whips” – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice
“Ride (Remix)” – Chance the Rapper feat. Do or Die & Twista
“Typa” – GloRilla
Outstanding International Song
“In Our Sight” – Skip Marley
“Is It” – Tyla *WINNER*
“Love” – Burna Boy
“With You” – Davido feat. Omah Lay
“You4Me” – Tiwa Savage
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
“luther” – Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA *WINNER*
“Anxiety” – Doechii
“Boots on the Ground” – 803Fresh
Escape Room – Teyana Taylor
“Folded” – Kehlani
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard *WINNER*
Jekalyn X the Legends – Jekalyn Carr
Live at Maverick City – Maverick City Music
Only on the Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett
The Live Reunion: Washington D.C. – Jj hairston and Youthful Praise
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“Do It Again” – Kirk Franklin *WINNER*
“Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard with John Legend
“Constant (Live)” – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore, Anthony Gargiulo
“Don’t Faint” – Jekalyn Carr
“Jesus I Do” – Mariah Carey with The Clark Sisters
Outstanding Jazz Album
We Insist! 2025 – Terri Lyne Carrington and Christie Dashiell *WINNER*
For Dinah – Ledisi
Beneath the Skin – Nnenna Freelon
Live-Action – Nate Smith – Nate Smith
Griot Songs – Omar Thomas Large Ensemble
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