Brandon Lake Dominates at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards 2025

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards illuminated Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on October 7, 2025, in a spectacular celebration of faith, artistry, and unity in Christian and gospel music. Hosted by Tauren Wells, the event gathered some of the most influential voices in contemporary worship for an unforgettable evening of praise, testimony, and powerful performances that kept every spotlight fixed on Jesus Christ.

The night was a perfect blend of music and ministry; from heartfelt worship moments to inspiring acceptance speeches that reflected humility, gratitude, and the heart of gospel music.

Leading the evening’s honors, Brandon Lake emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home five Dove Awards, including Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year (Artist) for his hit “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” The song, co-written with Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, and Benjamin William Hastings, has become an anthem of perseverance and divine victory.

Lake and Jelly Roll brought the house down with a moving live performance of “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” performed amid a symbolic man-made rainstorm that left the audience in awe. The song’s message, a declaration of faith forged through life’s toughest battles resonated deeply throughout the arena.

In addition to Song of the Year, Lake received awards for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year and Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “I Know a Name.” His sweep underscored his remarkable influence as both a worship leader and songwriter in today’s gospel landscape.

Forrest Frank, known for his genre-blending hits like “Your Way’s Better” and “Up,” was awarded Artist of the Year, yet notably chose not to attend the ceremony.

In a heartfelt video shared on social media a day before the event, Frank explained his decision:

“As a Christian artist, I dress kind of like the world. I kind of look like the world. My music can kind of sound like the world. So where’s the line in the sand drawn? I’m convicted, personally, that a line I can draw is that I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus.”

His statement sparked mixed reactions across the gospel community. While some questioned the move, legends like CeCe Winans voiced support, urging Frank to “Stay true to your convictions.”

Other Major Winners: A Celebration of Every Sound in the Kingdom

This year’s Dove Awards recognized the diversity and beauty of gospel and Christian music across genres.

• CeCe Winans and Shirley Caesar shared the Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come.”

• Leanna Crawford was honored as New Artist of the Year, marking a promising chapter for the next generation of worship leaders.

• Phil Wickham won Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for “The Jesus Way.”

• Karen Peck & New River took home Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “That’s What Faith Looks Like.”

• Alex Jean won Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year for “I Need Faith.”

• Karen Clark Sheard received Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for her song “Yes.”

• The Nelons won Southern Gospel Album of the Year for “Loving You.” The award was accepted by Autumn Nelon Streetman, the sole surviving member of the group after a tragic plane crash last summer claimed the lives of her parents and sister, a deeply emotional moment that moved the audience to tears.

The show opened with For KING + COUNTRY performing “World on Fire” against a backdrop of literal flames, setting a tone of both energy and spiritual passion.

Host Tauren Wells, serving both as a worship leader and pastor, began the night with a reading from Psalm 145, reminding everyone of the true purpose behind the gathering.

“There is only one reason that we’re here tonight,” Wells declared. “One common denominator between all of us, without Jesus we recognize we have nothing.”

The night featured captivating performances from Carrie Underwood, John Batiste, Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans, Israel & New Breed, Lady A, Vince Gill, and more creating a rich blend of musical styles unified by faith.

The 2025 GMA Dove Awards was more than a ceremony; it was a powerful reminder of why gospel music continues to shape hearts and culture. From worship ballads to hip-hop expressions, from traditional hymns to contemporary praise, every sound testified to one truth, Jesus remains at the center of it all.

The full list of winners is available HERE