In the midst of the high-energy revelry at New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash on December 31, 2025, gospel legend CeCe Winans delivered a performance that transcended the celebration. As the clock edged toward midnight, Winans took the stage at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, leading the massive crowd—and millions watching on CBS and Paramount+—in a powerful rendition of “Goodness of God.” What could have been just another musical interlude became a profound, shared moment of worship, unity, and reflection. Young and old raised their voices together, turning the festive broadcast into something deeper: a gentle pause inviting gratitude, faith, and renewal as 2026 dawned.
The five-hour special, co-hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY, was packed with country heavyweights like headliners Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman, alongside Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Gretchen Wilson, Riley Green, Marcus King, Dwight Yoakam, and the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers. The event featured the iconic Music Note Drop and fireworks, drawing record crowds to downtown Nashville despite the chill. Yet Winans’ appearance stood out as a soulful highlight, blending seamlessly with the night’s diverse lineup while offering a contrasting layer of spiritual depth.
Dressed elegantly and radiating quiet confidence, Winans began the song with her signature rich, emotive voice—clear, commanding, and full of conviction. “Goodness of God,” a modern worship anthem from her 2021 live album Believe For It, speaks of unwavering faithfulness through life’s trials. As she sang lines like “All my life You have been faithful,” the crowd responded instinctively. Hands lifted, phones swayed not just for recording but in praise, and voices joined in harmony. It wasn’t a forced sing-along; it felt organic, as if Winans had opened a door and invited everyone inside a sacred space.
Viewers at home echoed this sentiment online. “She didn’t just sing—she invited us in,” one wrote, capturing the intimacy of the moment. Another added, “This is how a New Year should begin,” highlighting how the performance shifted the vibe from pure party to purposeful reflection. In a night built on fireworks, noise, and countdown excitement, Winans provided balance—a reminder to breathe, give thanks, and start anew with hope rooted in faith.
This wasn’t Winans’ first time moving a secular audience to tears. Many recalled her 2024 appearance on the American Idol finale, where she dueted with contestant Roman Collins on the same song. That performance turned the stage into a worship experience, bringing judge Katy Perry—herself a former worship singer—to visible tears as the audience praised along. Winans’ voice has that rare gift: it doesn’t chase applause; it fosters connection, drawing listeners into something greater than the moment.
CeCe Winans, the most-awarded female gospel artist of all time with 15 Grammy wins and countless other accolades, has spent decades bridging genres and generations. From her groundbreaking duo work with brother BeBe to solo triumphs like Alone in His Presence, she’s expanded gospel’s reach into pop, R&B, and contemporary Christian charts. In 2025 alone, she surpassed 500 million global streams, sold out 90% of over 90 concerts, and continued evolving her sound while staying true to her roots. Her inclusion in Nashville’s Big Bash felt perfect—gospel’s influence on country music is undeniable, and Winans, alongside the Fisk Jubilee Singers, brought that heritage to the forefront.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers, renowned for preserving African American spirituals since 1871, complemented Winans beautifully, their harmonious voices adding historical richness. Together, they represented Nashville’s musical diversity, from honky-tonk to heartfelt praise.
As the performance ended, the energy lingered. The crowd’s applause mixed with cheers, and the broadcast transitioned smoothly into the countdown. But for many, Winans’ set was the emotional pinnacle—a grounding force amid the extravagance. Social media overflowed with clips of the crowd singing along, hands raised under the night sky, proving her message resonated far beyond the park.
In an era of fleeting viral moments, Winans offered substance. Her voice, unwavering and warm, reminded everyone that new beginnings aren’t just about noise and resolutions—they’re about gratitude for what’s endured. As fireworks lit up the sky and 2026 arrived, her song echoed: a New Year starting not with shouting, but with quiet strength, unity, and faith. It was a gift to Nashville, to viewers nationwide, and a beautiful way to step into the future.
