Full Breakdown
Highlights from the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards
10/11/2025, 12:36:23 PM
Overview of the Event
The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards took place on October 7, 2025, at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, marking a significant return to this iconic venue for the event. The awards celebrated excellence in Christian and gospel music, featuring a diverse array of performances and heartfelt messages centered around faith and community.
Major Winners and Awards
Brandon Lake emerged as the standout winner of the night, taking home five awards, including Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” a collaboration with Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, and Benjamin William Hastings. Forrest Frank was honored as Artist of the Year, while Leanna Crawford received the New Artist of the Year accolade. CeCe Winans also had a notable evening, winning Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come,” featuring Shirley Caesar. Other significant awards included Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “I Know A Name” by Elevation Worship, and Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year for “Coritos de Fuego” by Israel & New Breed and Unified Sound.
Performances and Highlights
The event featured a variety of performances that underscored the evening's theme of unity and faith. For King & Country opened the show with a dynamic rendition of “World On Fire,” while CeCe Winans delivered a poignant performance of her award-winning song. A special tribute to the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary included performances by Opry members Steven Curtis Chapman, Lady A, and Vince Gill. The night concluded with a powerful performance of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, joined by Grammy-winning pianist Jon Batiste, amidst a dramatic rain effect.
Official Statements & Responses
Host Tauren Wells emphasized the event's mission, stating, “Because of Jesus we have songs to sing and stories to tell.” Jelly Roll, upon accepting the Song of the Year award, urged attendees to “put faith on your feet and feet on your faith,” encouraging them to actively demonstrate their faith in the community. CeCe Winans echoed this sentiment, affirming, “We don’t do what we do for this [award]; we do it for Jesus.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, some artists, such as Forrest Frank, chose not to attend the ceremony, citing personal convictions regarding the nature of awards. Frank had previously expressed that the “greatest award of all time” is salvation, highlighting a perspective that prioritizes spiritual fulfillment over accolades.
Conclusion
The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards successfully showcased the rich tapestry of Christian music, celebrating both established and emerging artists. The event not only honored artistic achievements but also reinforced the importance of faith and community in the music industry. The broadcast aired exclusively on TBN and will re-air on October 17, 2025, allowing a broader audience to engage with the uplifting messages shared throughout the night.
