'First Lady' Candi's Grammy joy

Soul legend Candi Staton has celebrated her first Grammy nomination in 40 years – and said nothing would stop her fulfilling God’s purpose.

The 86-year-old singer’s 32nd studio album, Back to My Roots, was shortlisted for Best Roots Gospel Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

It was her fifth nomination across a remarkable career spanning more than seven decades.

“That was the last thing I was expecting to hear,” she said.

“Really? Really? 40 years? Whoa. I had four of them. Yeah. Four nominations, but I never won.”

Candi, raised in Hanceville, Alabama, became known as the ‘First Lady of Southern Soul’, scoring hits including 1976 anthem Young Hearts Run Free.

Yet behind the music lay domestic abuse, divorce, cancer and the struggle of raising five children.

But through it all she kept singing.

“I’m going to do it until the Lord calls me home,” she told CBN’s Studio 5.

“He gave me a purpose and I’m standing on that purpose, standing firm.”

Now a new generation is discovering her songs through TikTok.

And when Candi sings Amazing Grace, it is more than a hymn – it is the testimony of a survivor whose Christian faith still strikes a powerful note.

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