Multi-talented worship leader, songwriter and recording artist Israel Houghton won his third consecutive GRAMMY® Sunday night during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Houghton took home the award for “Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album” for his critically-acclaimed CD The Power Of One and also was honoured as a nominee for “Best Gospel Song” for “Every Prayer” from The Power of One.

On the Red Carpet. All photos courtesy WireImage

Previously, Houghton and his powerhouse musical ensemble New Breed won two GRAMMYS® in 2008 for A Deeper Level and in 2007 for Alive in South Africa. This year’s win marks his first GRAMMY® as a “solo” artist.

Receiving his award during the pre-telecast awards

“It’s really an honour to be nominated for such a prestigious award,” says Houghton. “And to win is such a surreal experience… I’m so moved that the message in the music was embraced and appreciated.”

The “message” of the genre-blending album is one of hope, redemption and revelation, especially the title track, which expresses Houghton’s passion for social justice.

Posing with the trophy in the backstage photo area [Photo: Michael Buckner/WireImage. Click image to enlarge]

“I strongly believe that those of us who consider ourselves worshippers need to have a heart for social justice,” says Houghton who will be in Toronto, Ontario for a Haiti benefit concert on February 12th. Visit the YMZ Concert section for more details.

In addition to his career as a recording artist, Israel Houghton is a worship leader at Houston’s Lakewood Church and a spokesman for international relief agency World Vision. He is the recipient of six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award and three GRAMMY® Awards. Additional information is available on his YMZ artist page.