2026 Voices of Gospel Music Awards Female Artist of the Year
Award-winning Christian artist, songwriter, worship leader, and speaker Rachael Mann has spent her life using music to inspire, encourage, and point others toward Christ. Her authentic style, powerful vocals, and heart for ministry have taken her from local church stages to national television, international missions, major sporting events, and award-winning music releases.
In 2026, Rachael was honored as the Female Artist of the Year at the Voices of Gospel Music Awards, a fan-voted recognition celebrating her impact in Christian music. Her current single, “Didn’t Have To Do It” featuring Terell Davy, produced by Dove Award-winning and RIAA Gold & Platinum-certified artist Nathan Walters of Plus One, has been featured on New Release Today, GodTube, the GMA New Music Friday Playlist, and ranked among the Top 20 Streams and Downloads on Play MPE. The song also received nominations from both the Voices of Gospel Music Awards and the Gospel Choice Awards and earned a 2026 Josie Music Award nomination for Vocal Event of the Year (Male/Female Duo).
Rachael’s previous single, “Unfiltered,” became an award-winning success, earning placement among the Top 20 most streamed and downloaded Christian songs on Play MPE. The song was featured by New Release Today and GodTube and went on to win Song On Repeat (Listeners’ Choice) at the WVIU Music Awards and Single of the Year at the Louder Than The Music Awards.
On November 1, 2024, Rachael released her Christmas single, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” produced by Nathan Walters. The song quickly gained international attention and was added to Christmas radio rotations throughout North America, Hawaii, Europe, Africa, the Netherlands, the Virgin Islands, and beyond.
Rachael discovered her passion for singing at the age of seven—a gift she attributes to God. Self-trained and a pianist by ear, she quickly developed an ear for harmonies and began cultivating her musical talents from a young age.
Her musical journey began in church, where she sang her first solo at just ten years old, performing “Somebody Love Me” by Michael W. Smith. Nearly a decade later, she would have the opportunity to sing with Michael W. Smith on one of his albums.
By age thirteen, Rachael had already made her television debut on The Ann Varnum Show in Dothan, Alabama, and won the Most Promising Singer Award at the Northside Mall Music Contest. After moving to Birmingham and attending Hoover High School, she continued developing her songwriting and performance skills. At seventeen, she began working with renowned producer and songwriter Marc Phillips, leading to the release of her debut album, Unbelievable Love. The project featured her original songs, “Satisfied” and “The Road,” which received radio airplay.
Rachael’s career continued to grow as she opened for artists including J. Moss, Salvador, Jars of Clay, and Big Daddy Weave. During the early years of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, she served as one of the church’s primary worship leaders. She also recorded commercial jingles for major brands such as McDonald’s and Williamson Medical Center in Nashville and appeared in music videos for Brandon Heath’s “Give Me Your Eyes” and Salvador’s “What Would It Be Like.”
After relocating to Nashville, Rachael continued pursuing her calling through music and acting. She appeared on two episodes of The 700 Club, performed at numerous festivals and events, and contributed vocals to Michael W. Smith’s Hymns album. In 2016, she had the incredible opportunity to sing alongside Carrie Underwood at the CMT Awards.
In addition to performing, Rachael has worked behind the scenes as a Production Assistant for American Idol and the GMA Dove Awards. She was also honored as the first musical artist featured on the cover of Christian Vogue Magazine’s Teen Vogue edition.
Internationally, Rachael has ministered and performed in Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, and Israel. She has collaborated with respected songwriters including Krissy Nordhoff and Jennifer McGill, expanding her musical repertoire and industry experience.
Rachael has appeared as a guest on programs including Atlanta Live, Atlanta & Company, Babbie’s House, Friends and Neighbors, and many others, reaching millions of viewers. She has also been featured on national and international radio stations including 93.7 WDJC, Revocation Radio, WIAM Radio, Victory 91.5 FM, The Antidote, Effect Radio, Faith Radio, and many others.
One of Rachael’s notable recordings, “Control,” was produced by Nathan Walters. She has also had the honor of singing the National Anthem for numerous professional and collegiate organizations, including the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Dream, Georgia Tech, Savannah Bananas, Kansas City Royals, University of Alabama, Birmingham Stallions, Huntsville Havoc, Nashville Sounds, and many others. She also sings at the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music in Nashville, Tennessee as well as Jesus In A Bar and 2nd Saturdays at Just Love Cafe in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
A top finalist on the nationally syndicated The Bert Show Thanksgiving Song Contest, Rachael continues to share her music and faith across the country and around the world.
Rachael’s mission is to share her God-given gifts with the World, spreading hope and encouragement through her music. She invites you to partner with her on this journey. Click the DONATE BUTTON to learn how you can support Rachael.
Stay tuned for all new and upcoming music, exclusive updates, and more information about Rachael's journey!
