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Christian Music Momentum Shines at the 2025 GMA Dove Awards

Christian Music Momentum Shines at the 2025 GMA Dove Awards

Last updated on: October 11, 2025 at 10:37 am by DeWayne Hamby

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Christian Music Momentum Shines at the 2025 GMA Dove Awards 2025-10-11T10:37:41-04:00 DeWayne Hamby

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When the lights dimmed inside Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, a wave of energy filled the air — part worship service, part industry homecoming, and wholly a celebration of faith expressed through music. The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, premiering this weekend on TBN, drew thousands of artists, fans, and music leaders together to honor the year’s brightest moments in gospel and Christian music.

Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll image by Terry Wyatt, courtes of the Gospel Music Association.

For the first time in nearly two decades, the Dove Awards returned to the arena setting, a move that seemed to match the renewed momentum Christian music has experienced over the past year. Onstage, performances by Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll and Jon Batiste, Ben Fuller and Carrie Underwood, for KING + COUNTRY with Taylor Hill, and CeCe Winans blended heartfelt worship with crossover appeal.

“Christian music isn’t just having a moment,” said Holly Zabka, president of Provident Music, told NPR. “It’s entering a new era. The stories being told, the artists being discovered, the songs breaking through… this is the most exciting time we’ve ever seen.”

That enthusiasm reflects the numbers: for the first time since 2013, two faith-based artists — Brandon Lake and Forrest Frank — appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously. And both of them took home major awards at this year’s ceremony.

Tauren Wells Brings Heart and Humor

Returning for his third year as host, Tauren Wells balanced reverence and joy with ease. An eight-time Dove Award winner himself, Wells opened the evening with his powerful new single “Let the Church Sing” before setting the tone for the night in his opening monologue.

“There is only one reason that we’re here tonight, one common denominator between all of us,” Wells said, his voice echoing through the arena. “Without Jesus, we have no songs to sing, no stories to tell, no platforms, no creativity. But because of Jesus, we have everything to celebrate.”

It was a reminder that, for all the spotlights and production value, the Dove Awards remain first and foremost an expression of worship.

Wells’ easygoing charm and comedic timing kept the show flowing, but his sincere gratitude anchored it. Between jokes about the endless categories (“There’s even a Dove Award for best livestream worship moment from a moving vehicle!”) and moments of stillness, he made the event feel both grand and intimate — a family gathering on the world’s stage.

Brandon Lake and the Big Wins

The night’s biggest winner, Brandon Lake, collected five Dove Awards, including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” The song, a gritty and heartfelt anthem cowritten with Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, and Benjamin William Hastings, became a crossover sensation — not only topping Christian charts but finding resonance with mainstream audiences.

When Lake and Jelly Roll shared the stage to accept their award, the duo delivered one of the night’s most moving moments.

“The world is hearing about Jesus like they have never heard it before,” Jelly Roll said. “Now it’s time to put faith on your feet and feet on your faith. Go out of this building and show them Jesus.”

Lake nodded beside him, visibly emotional. “This song came from a place of struggle,” he added. “To see it bring hope — that’s everything.”

Forrest Frank, Leanna Crawford, and the New Wave

Rising star Forrest Frank was named Artist of the Year, cementing his place as one of the genre’s most unexpected success stories. Once known for blending indie pop and worship in viral videos, Frank has become a defining voice for Gen Z believers who see no divide between sacred and mainstream spaces.

Leanna Crawford, who has toured with Matthew West and Anne Wilson, took home New Artist of the Year, marking her first major industry recognition. Her acceptance speech reflected humility and joy. “This feels surreal,” she said. “My prayer is just to keep writing songs that remind people of the hope that never changes.”

CeCe Winans’ Legacy Continues

At 60, CeCe Winans remains a force — her voice, presence, and testimony as timeless as ever. She won two awards, including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come” with gospel legend Shirley Caesar.

Accepting her award, Winans referenced Wells’ earlier remarks: “Like Tauren said, we don’t do this for the trophies — we do it for Jesus. But I’m so grateful for every soul these songs have touched.”

Her simple performance later in the evening of “Come Jesus Come” surrounded by a sea of lights, was a masterclass in grace and vocal power, earning one of the night’s longest standing ovations.

Honoring Heritage and Bridging Sounds

This year’s ceremony also underscored how Christian music continues to expand its sonic boundaries. The crossover between country and gospel — two genres long intertwined — took center stage with Ben Fuller and Carrie Underwood’s stirring duet, and a moving tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Lady A, and Vince Gill, introduced via video by Amy Grant.

The performance served as a musical bridge between generations, genres, and faith traditions, embodying what the Dove Awards have always celebrated: unity in diversity, all anchored in worship.

A Museum for the Movement

Midway through the ceremony, the Gospel Music Association announced one of the night’s most welcome announcements — the opening of The Museum of Christian and Gospel Music (The C&G) in downtown Nashville. The museum showcases the genre’s storied past through immersive exhibits, live performances, and educational workshops.

“The legacy of Christian and gospel music deserves a permanent home,” said Jackie Patillo, GMA president and executive producer of the Dove Awards. “This museum will celebrate the soundtracks of faith that have carried generations.”

The announcement drew an enthusiastic response from the audience, with many artists expressing excitement about the new cultural landmark.

More Than Awards — A Celebration of Community

Throughout the night, acceptance speeches carried a shared refrain: gratitude, unity, and purpose.

Receiving the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award, Al Andrews of Porter’s Call — a nonprofit providing counseling to touring artists — reflected, “I feel like I get a front-row seat to hope.”

That theme of hope seemed to thread through every performance. Whether it was Elevation Worship’s powerhouse rendition of “I Know a Name” or Hulvey’s fiery performance from his award-winning album CRY, the show demonstrated how modern Christian music is simultaneously reverent and relevant.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Before the evening concluded, Wells announced that the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards will once again be held at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, preceded by the Music City Fan Experience — a week of concerts, panels, and community events celebrating the intersection of faith and artistry.

Broadcast Details

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards aired exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app, with a simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. Re-airings are scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET on TBN, TBN+, and the TBN YouTube channel.

Major Winners

Artist of the Year: Forrest Frank

New Artist of the Year: Leanna Crawford

Song of the Year: “Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Benjamin William Hastings

Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year: “Come Jesus Come” – CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar

Worship Recorded Song of the Year: “I Know A Name” – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: CRY – Hulvey

Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year: “Coritos de Fuego” – Israel & New Breed, Unified Sound (ft. Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Nate Diaz, Aaron Moses, Lucia Parker)

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year: God Problems – Tamela Mann

Southern Gospel Album of the Year: Loving You – The Nelons

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year: “The Jesus Way” – Phil Wickham

Feature Film of the Year: The King of Kings – Director Jang Seong-ho

For the full list of winners, click here.

Watch a red carpet interview with Tauren Wells below.

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