On October 7, 2025, the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville hosted the 56th GMA Dove Awards“>annual GMA Dove Awards. The event was broadcast on TBN and TBN+ App to an international audience.
Brandon Lake marked the evening with five accolades, including Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” as well as Songwriter of the Year (Artist), illustrating his major position in contemporary gospel.
Brandon Lake thanked Jelly Roll with emotion: “Thank you for taking the risk, thank you for treating me like a little brother. » This testimony highlights the importance of artistic unity.
Forrest Frank was crowned Artist of the Year and won “Child of God” (best pop/contemporary album) as well as “YOUR WAY’S BETTER” (best pop/contemporary song).
His absence left a lasting impression. In a video, he explains: “As a Christian, it’s difficult to know how to draw the line between being in the world and not being part of it. »
He continues: “I dress like the world, I look like the world, my music sounds like the world. But where is the limit? My personal conviction is not to receive a trophy. »
Forrest Frank insists: “I will not receive a trophy for something that comes from Jesus and is for Jesus. I already struggled with this question last year. »
He adds: “I even said on stage at the Dove Awards that I struggled with the concept of receiving this award, but all the glory went to Jesus. »
“All names will be erased, including mine, except for one name. I now feel an even stronger conviction: I don’t even want to go on stage. »
He concludes: “I have decided to take a non-participation stance. I will not be attending the Dove Awards or the Grammys. I hope to be an example for young people. »
“The real 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?” asks Forrest Frank, defending a radical vision of humility and spiritual priority in the Christian life.
CeCe Winans was double-awarded with “Come Jesus Come” and “Joy To The World.” His acceptance speech deeply moved the assembly.
She begins by proclaiming: “Come, Jesus, come!” My God, how many know he’s coming back soon? Amen. Is anyone excited for his return? »
CeCe Winans shares, “I started a long time ago. I was honored to be able to sing gospel music. I fell in love with God as a child. »
She explains: “I have been in this industry since I was around 19 years old. And I’m 61, almost 61 in a few days. All I can say is that God is faithful. »
“We are blessed to worship all over the world and do what we do. But we have an awesome responsibility. »
She continues: “That responsibility is to bring as many people as possible when Jesus returns. How many want to take a lot of people with them? Amen? »
CeCe Winans concludes: “Let us remember why we do what we do: so that God may be glorified and so that as many souls as possible can come to know Jesus. »
Leanna Crawford was named New Artist of the Year, highlighting the renewal and creative vitality of the contemporary gospel scene.
Artists like for KING + COUNTRY, Carrie Underwood, Jon Batiste, Steven Curtis Chapman, Lady A and Vince Gill delivered memorable performances.
Israel & New Breed shone with “Coritos de Fuego” during a multicultural Latin performance bringing together many guest artists.
Host Tauren Wells said, “Without Jesus, we have nothing to celebrate. But with Jesus, we have everything to celebrate. » Jelly Roll emphasized social responsibility.
Autumn Nelon paid tribute to her lost family while accepting the Southern Gospel Album award. His testimony spoke of strength, hope and faith in the face of trials.
Organized by the Gospel Music Association since 1969, the GMA Dove Awards celebrates Christian musical creativity and inspires new generations of artists and believers.
Complete list of winners
Artist of the Year: Forrest Frank
New Artist of the Year: Leanna Crawford
Song of the Year: “Hard Fought Hallelujah”
Songwriter of the Year (Artist): Brandon Lake
Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist): Mitch Wong
Producer of the Year: Jeff Pardo
Worship Recorded Song: “I Know A Name” – Elevation Worship
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song: “YOUR WAY’S BETTER” – Forrest Frank
Gospel Worship Recorded Song: “Come Jesus Come” – CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar
Spanish Language Recorded Song: “Coritos de Fuego” – Israel & New Breed
Southern Gospel Song: “That’s What Faith Looks Like” – Karen Peck & New River
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Song: “Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll
Rap/Hip Hop Song: “I Need Faith” – Alex Jean
Rock/Contemporary Song: “sunset silhouette” – Strings and Heart
Inspirational Song: “The Jesus Way” – Phil Wickham
Contemporary Gospel Song: “Holy Hands” – DOE
Traditional Gospel Song: “Yes” – Karen Clark Sheard
Spanish Language Worship: “AMIGO” – Karen Espinosa
Children’s Song: “Siempre Que Me Muevo” – Shout Praises Kids
Christmas Song: “Joy To The World” – CeCe Winans
Rap/Hip Hop Album: “Cry” – Hulvey
Rock/Contemporary Album: “trustfall” – Stephen Stanley
Pop/Contemporary Album: “Child of God” – Forrest Frank
Inspirational Album: “The People’s Hymnal” – Jordan Smith
Southern Gospel Album: “Loving You” – The Nelons
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album: “Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah” – The Isaacs
Contemporary Gospel Album: “Live Breathe Fight” – Tamela Mann
Traditional Gospel Album: “I Still Have You” – Smokie Norful
Gospel Worship Album: “Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles” – Chandler Moore
Spanish Language Album: “Kintsugi” – Un Corazon
Worship Album: “When Wind Meets Fire” – Elevation Worship
Christmas/Special Event Album: “Hallelujah!” It’s Christmas! » –Phil Wickham
Musical/Choral Collection: “Cain for Kids”
Packaging: “Heaven On My Mind” – TobyMac
Short Form Video Concept: “Can’t Stop Me” – TobyMac
Short Form Video Performance: “Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll
Long Form Video: “A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)” – for KING & COUNTRY
Feature Film: “The King of Kings”
TV Series: “The Chosen”
The 56th edition affirms the strength of gospel as a source of unity, hope and transmission for all generations
