Nashville Shines Bright at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
Nashville was alive with excitement as the 55th annual GMA Dove Awards took place on October 1, featuring a sold-out audience that couldn’t wait to celebrate the best in Christian and Gospel music. With vibrant performances and emotional tributes, it was a night to remember for artists and fans alike.
Big Winners of the Evening
The spotlight was on Jonathan Smith, who snagged an impressive seven awards, including Producer of the Year. He truly shined among the illustrious crowd, showcasing his immense talents. Not too far behind was Phil Wickham, who took home four Doves that night, including the coveted Worship Album of the Year. The legendary CeCe Winans also made waves, winning three awards, one of which was the prestigious Artist of the Year.
The coveted Song of the Year title went to the uplifting “Holy Forever,” a composition by talented songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, and Phil Wickham. Others who garnered attention included Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram, each claiming three awards. Notably, Forrest Frank took home the title of New Artist of the Year along with two awards, showcasing the fresh talent burgeoning in the industry.
A Night Full of Emotion and High Energy
The show aired on October 4 and was hosted by the charismatic Tauren Wells, who kept the energy high throughout the event. The evening kicked off with a powerful performance by CeCe Winans, who brought the house down with her rendition of “That’s My King,” supported by a magnificent 24-person choir.
It was a lineup filled with surprises as well, featuring Skillet’s John Cooper joining Tauren Wells for a dynamic rendition of “Take It All Back.” Forrest Frank brought his upbeat vibe with an infectious mash-up titled “No Longer Bound/Good Day,” which included members from The Choir Room.
One of the show’s highlights was the multilingual performance of “Holy Forever,” showcased by a talented group including Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos, and Gabriel Guedes. This moment truly encapsulated the diversity and richness of the faith-filled music community.
Remembering Those We’ve Lost
While the night was filled with joy, there was also a solemn moment, as Tauren Wells addressed the heavy losses faced in the music community this year, including beloved artist Mandisa, who passed away earlier. He played a heartfelt audio text from her, reminding everyone of the importance of expressing love to those we cherish. “Your words can be some of the most valuable things you can leave behind,” Wells reflected, ensuring the audience felt the weight of their words and actions.
As the evening continued, a stirring performance of “My Tribute” capped off this moment, blending hope and reflection into a powerful experience.
Looking Forward to Next Year
Exciting news capped off the evening as the GMA announced that the 56th annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on October 7, 2025. A celebratory video featuring icons like Steven Curtis Chapman and CeCe Winans revealed the new venue, promising a larger-than-life experience for the next awards.
Honoring Legends of Gospel Music
As the night drew to a close, the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award was presented to Bill and Gloria Gaither, legendary songwriters behind unforgettable classics like “Because He Lives.” The crowd erupted in applause, standing in appreciation of their contributions to Gospel music. Bill Gaither shared encouraging words for aspiring songwriters, emphasizing the power of music to fill the “hole in the heart of America.”
This year’s GMA Dove Awards were not just a celebration of music; they were a heartfelt reminder of the power of faith, community, and love. As artists took the stage and shared their hearts, it’s clear Nashville continues to be a shining beacon in the world of Christian music.
