57th NAACP Image Awards

The 57th NAACP Image Awards recognizes artists making an impact across music, film, and television. This year’s nominations include 12 MAX/SET artist partners recognized across 19 award nominations.

Nominees include Brandy, recognized for her work in television; Clipse, earning multiple music nominations; Leon Thomas, with nods across album, song, and artist categories; and Davido, whose international success resonates globally. The list also acknowledges the ongoing influence of gospel, soul, and jazz through artists like Ledisi, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music.

These highlight artists consistently connect with fans and show up across stages, screens, and communities. For brands, it’s a reminder that meaningful partnerships start with artists who already have trust, reach, and real audience engagement.

Updated 3/1/26 with winners highlighted.

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Brandy

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2025

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie) – Brandy Norwood – Christmas Everyday (Lifetime)

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Clipse

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2025

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Album – Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T, Malice (Roc Nation Distribution)
• Outstanding Song – Hip-Hop/Rap – “Chains & Whips” – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice (Roc Nation Distribution)          
• Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice – “Chains & Whips” (Roc Nation Distribution)
  

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Davido

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2024

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding International Song – “With You” – Davido feat. Omah Lay (RCA Records/Sony Music UK)
  

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Fantasia

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2023

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) – 803Fresh feat. Fantasia – “Boots on the Ground Remix” (Snake Eyez Music Group/Artist Partner Group) (WINNER!)

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Jekalyn Carr

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2024

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album – Jekalyn X The Legends – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song – “Don’t Faint” – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)

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John Legend

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2023

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song – “Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard feat John Legend (Motown Gospel)

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Kirk Franklin

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2024
AARP campaign

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song – “Church” – “Do it Again” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records) (WINNER!)

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Ledisi

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2025

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Jazz Album – For Dinah – Ledisi (Candid Records)

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Leon Thomas

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2024

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Album – Mutt Deluxe: Heel – Leon Thomas (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
• Outstanding Song – Soul/R&B – “Yes It Is” – Leon Thomas (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
• Outstanding Male Artist – Leon Thomas – MUTT Deluxe: Heel (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
• Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) – Leon Thomas & Chris Brown – “MUTT (Remix)” (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)

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Madison McFerrin

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2023

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding New Artist – Madison McFerrin – “Scorpio” (MadMcFerrin Music LLC)

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Maverick City Music

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
SET user since 2022

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album – Live at Maverick City – Maverick City Music (Tribl Records, LLC)
• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song – “Constant – Live” – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore, Anthony Gargiula (Tribl Records)

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Travis Greene

MAX/SET Partnership Details:
Ford campaign

2026 Nominations:

• Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) – Travis Greene & Andra Day – “Let Freedom Ring” (Greenelight Music/TRIBL Records)

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About MAX

MAX.Live was founded in 2014 with a mission to help champion incredible music and the artists who make it through strategic, data-driven partnerships with brands. MAX brings brands into the music promotional space in a way that puts engaging content into the world through a value-exchange model that drives the brand's objectives and elevates breakthrough bands along the way. If you’d like to learn more about MAX and what a music promotion program would look like for your brand, send us a note.