Justin Gambino returned to the Josie Music Awards and left with two trophies. The singer-songwriter won Christian/Gospel/Inspirational Artist of the Year and Christian/Gospel/Inspirational EP of the Year.
The second award recognized Just Like Jesus, his five-song 2025 EP through Residence Music. Gambino accepted both honors Sept. 20 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Justin Gambino Reflects on His Road to the Opry
For Gambino, the setting carried as much weight as the trophies. During his acceptance speech, he looked back 22 years to a courtroom where he faced a choice between jail and military service.
“If you would’ve told me 22 years ago when I was standing in a courtroom looking a judge in the eyes, looking at jail time or the military, I would not have believed you that I’d be standing here on this circle,” Gambino said. “But my God is in the redeeming business and He’s a Good Father.”
Gambino chose military service and spent eight years in the U.S. Navy. While serving in Iraq, he began leading worship on base and returned to a love of music that started during childhood.
His struggles did not end when he came home. Gambino faced PTSD, anger, alcohol misuse and depression after his military service. Eventually, a night spent crying out to God on his apartment floor marked the beginning of a different life.
That history now shapes his music and ministry. Each year, he also holds the Brazoria County Revival outside the Texas courthouse where he received his sentence as a teenager.
‘Just Like Jesus’ Earns EP of the Year
Just Like Jesus explores life after the dramatic turning point. Instead of ending the story at conversion, its five songs examine gratitude, surrender and the continued struggle to follow Christ.
Gambino co-wrote all five selections. His longtime collaborator Walter Halliwell produced the project, which blends folk-rock songwriting with soul and gospel influences.
The 2026 Artist of the Year honor follows Gambino’s 2024 Josie win in a similar category. However, this year brought recognition for both the artist and a complete recording.
The awards also arrive during a new chapter in Gambino’s work. In July, he released his first worship EP, Garden of the Lord, a project shaped by his testimony, new fatherhood and seven years of infertility.