Christian singer Forrest Dove Awards“>Frank announced on October 7, 2025 that he will not attend the Dove Awards or the Grammy Awards, believing that he cannot receive a trophy for music created “of Jesus and for Jesus”. The statement comes as the 30-year-old Texas artist is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards for his album Child of God.
A Matured Conviction Since 2024
Frank explained in a TikTok video that he’s been struggling with this question since the 2024 Dove Awards, where he won two awards including New Artist of the Year. At that time, he had already publicly expressed his discomfort by declaring on stage that his name will one day disappear, unlike that of Jesus Christ.
This year, his conviction deepened. He decided not only to refuse the trophies, but also not to attend the ceremonies. “I don’t even know if I want to go on stage. I don’t know if I want to be in the room,” he confided.
Tension Between World and Faith
The artist raised an age-old theological question applied to the contemporary music industry. “As Christians, it’s hard to know where to draw the line between being in the world and not being of the world,” Frank explained.
For him, refusing rewards constitutes that line. “I hope to be an example to young people that the trophy is our salvation. The trophy is that my name is written in the Book of Life and I gain eternal life. What good is a piece of metal compared to this? “, he said.
Paradoxical victory at the Dove Awards
On October 8, 2025, Frank won three major awards at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, despite his absence. He received Artist of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Child of God, and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for Your Way’s Better.
Debate with Jelly Roll
Country artist Jelly Roll questioned the consistency of this stance in Frank’s Instagram comments. “You won’t get a trophy for something by Jesus for Jesus, but you accept the proceeds from something by Jesus for Jesus,” wrote the 40-year-old artist, Song of the Year winner for Hard Fought Hallelujah.
During her acceptance speech at the Dove Awards, Jelly Roll made an apparent reference to Frank, saying, “I’m so glad I can see the forest for the trees.” Frank simply replied: “Congratulations brother!! Keep going for Jesus.”
Reactions from the Christian Community
Frank’s position divided the Christian music community. Gospel legend Cece Winans encouraged Frank to “stay true to his beliefs”, while the band We Are Messengers hailed him as an “incredible example”.
Other Artists like Jonathan Traylor have offered a different yet respectful perspective, suggesting that accepting awards with humility can also glorify God, as “even an award can be an altar of praise, not a pedestal of pride.”
Implications for the 2025 Grammy Awards
Frank maintains his position for the 67th Grammy Awards scheduled for February 2, 2025, where he is nominated in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album category. In a promotional video for the Grammys, he humorously said, “Having this recognition at the Grammy level is just fun for me.”
Frank’s journey, a Baylor University graduate and former member of the duo Surfaces, was marked by a profound conversion during his second year of college at Antioch Church in Waco. His album Child of God sold 22,000 copies, and his single Good Day reached number one on iTunes across all genres in 2024.
usa“>USA sources:
Christian Post – “Christian singer Forrest Frank no longer attending awards shows” (October 6, 2025) – https://www.christianpost.com/news/forrest-frank-says-hes-not-going-to-attend-awards-shows.html
Fox News – “Grammy-nominated Christian artist refuses to attend awards shows over personal conviction” (October 8, 2025) – https://www.foxnews.com/media/grammy-nominated-christian-artist-refuses-attend-awards-shows-over-personal-conviction
People Magazine – “Forrest Frank Says He Refuses to Accept Awards, Jelly Roll Weighs In” (October 10, 2025) – https://people.com/christian-singer-forrest-frank-says-he-refuses-to-accept-awards-jelly-roll-weighs-in-11828211
