Grammy-winning gospel artist Donnie McClurkin took home this year's BET Award for Best Gospel Artist among a field of contenders that included CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Kayne West, and Ruben Studdard.

"This is all so surreal to me," said McClurkin. "I was at the first BET Award ceremony and was the first gospel artist to receive the honor. Now receiving one again leaves me in awe. This award ceremony is mainly secular and the generations are far removed from mine. To have them deem me viable enough to present me with this award humbles me. It means that the gospel is reaching the masses outside of the church. It's an honor to be used by God in this capacity."

"BET has always given a platform to Gospel music and not restricted the gospel artists to be themselves and deliver our message of hope raw and purely," he continued. "This gospel is given for the world. I'm glad that it's reaching them. To God be all the Glory!"

The 2005 BET Awards was the most-watched telecast in the network's history, with 6.6 million viewers watching the over three-hour program, according to Nielson Media Research.

Other winners at the ceremony included rapper Kayne West (Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year - "Jesus Walks"), Ciara (Best Collaboration - "1, 2 Step") Alicia Keys (Best Female R&B Artist), and John Legend (Best New Artist).

For a complete list of winners, click here.

Justin Camacho
justin@breathecast.com