Brandon Lake, Forrest Frank, and Leanna Crawford Shine at the 56th GMA Dove Awards

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards lit up Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Tuesday night with a powerful celebration of Christian and gospel music.

Brandon Lake emerged as the evening’s top winner, taking home five awards including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah”, co-written with Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, and Benjamin William Hastings.

Artist of the Year honors went to Forrest Frank, while rising star Leanna Crawford was named New Artist of the Year.

CeCe Winans earned two Dove Awards, including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come”, her powerful collaboration with gospel legend Shirley Caesar.

In the Spanish-language category, Israel & New Breed and Unified Sound, featuring Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Nate Diaz, Aaron Moses, and Lucia Parker, won Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year for “Coritos de Fuego.”

The night honored musical excellence across genres, uniting artists and fans in a celebration of faith and creativity.

The 56th Annual GMA A

New Artist of the Year Presented by Cantinas Arts Foundation
Abbie Gamboa
Caleb Gordon
Leanna Crawford (Winner)
Patrick Mayberry
Strings and Heart

Songwriter of the Year (Artist)
Benjamin William Hastings
Brandon Lake (Winner)
Chris Brown
Forrest Frank
Matthew West

Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist)
Jeff Pardo
Jonathan Gamble
Jordan Sapp
Mitch Wong (Winner)
Zac Lawson

Song of the Year Presented by MultiTracks.com
“Counting My Blessings” (Writers) Seph Schlueter, Jordan Sapp, Jonathan Gamble
“Good Day” (Writer) Forrest Frank
“Goodbye Yesterday” (Writers) Gracie Binion, Steven Furtick, Mitch Wong, Josh Holiday
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” (Writers) Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Benjamin William Hastings (Winner)
“Still Waters (Psalm 23)” (Writers) Leanna Crawford, Jonathan Gamble, Justin Mark Richards
“That’s My King” (Writers) Kellie Gamble, Jess Russ, Lloyd Nicks, Taylor Agan
“That’s Who I Praise” (Writers) Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Zac
Lawson, Micah Nichols
“The Prodigal” (Writers) Josiah Queen, Jared Marc
“The Truth” (Writers) Megan Woods, Matthew West, Jeff Pardo
“Up!” (Writers) Forrest Frank, Connor Price

Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI
“At The Altar” – ELEVATION RHYTHM, Tiffany Hudson, Abbie Gamboa
“I Know A Name” – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake (Winner)
“Mighty Name Of Jesus (Live)” – Hope Darst, The Belonging Co.
“The King Is In The Room” – Phil Wickham
“What A God (Live)” – SEU Worship, ONE HOUSE, Kenzie Walker, Chelsea Plank, Roosevelt
Stewart

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Desperate” – Jamie MacDonald
“GOODBYE YESTERDAY” – ELEVATION RHYTHM, Grace Binion
“Still Waters (Psalm 23)” – Leanna Crawford
“That’s Who I Praise” – Brandon Lake
“YOUR WAY’S BETTER” – Forrest Frank (Winner)

Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year
“Come Jesus Come” – CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar (Winner)
“God Is In Control” – DOE
“One Hallelujah” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, Israel Houghton (ft. Jonathan
McReynolds, Jekalyn Carr)
“Rest On Us (Flow) [Live]” – Naomi Raine
“Yahweh” – Jason Nelson (ft. Melvin Crispell III)

Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year
“Al Estar Aquí” – Marcos Witt, TAYA
“ALGORITMO” – Gabriel EMC, Alex Zurdo
“Coritos de Fuego” – Israel & New Breed, Unified Sound (ft. Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Nate Diaz, Aaron Moses, Lucia Parker) (Winner)
“Sigue Caminando” – Sarai Rivera
“Worthy” – Blanca (ft. Yandel)

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“If Not For Christ” – The Whisnants
“Love ‘Em Where They Are” – Gaither Vocal Band
“Man On The Middle Cross” – Scotty Inman (ft. Jason Crabb, Charlotte Ritchie)
“That’s What Faith Looks Like” – Karen Peck & New River (Winner)
“You’ll Find Him There (Live)” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year
“(More Than A) Hollow Hallelujah” – The Isaacs
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll (Winner)
“If It Was Up To Me” – Ben Fuller, Carrie Underwood
“There’s a Hole in the Heart” – The Nelons
“There’s a River” – High Road (ft. Jaelee Roberts)

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
“All For You” – Hulvey
“HEAVEN ON THIS EARTH” – Forrest Frank, Torey D’Shaun
“I Need Faith” – Alex Jean (Winner)
“I Need Help” – Connor Price, Maverick City Music, Taylor Hill (ft. Nick Day)
“Still Here” – Lecrae

Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Get Behind Me” – Emerson Day
“Grave Robber” – Crowder, Zach Williams
“RIP” – bodie
“sunset silhouette” – Strings and Heart (Winner)
“Take It All Back” – Tauren Wells (ft. Skillet, Davies.)

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
“Christus Victor (Amen) [Live]” – Keith & Kristyn Getty, Cochren & Co.
“Rise Up” – Selah
“The Jesus Way” – Phil Wickham (Winner)
“The Wonderful Blood” – Tiffany Hudson
“Tonight” – Point of Grace

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.
“Church Doors” – Yolanda Adams
“Deserve To Win” – Tamela Mann
“Holy Hands” – DOE (Winner)
“In The Room [Afro Beat Version]” – Maverick City Music (ft. Annatoria)

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Church Medley (Live)” – John P. Kee
“He’s A Wonder” – Chicago Mass Choir
“When I Think (Radio Edit / Live)” – Ricky Dillard
“Work It Out For Me (Live Radio Edit)” – Zacardi Cortez
“Yes” – Karen Clark Sheard (Winner)

Spanish Language Worship Recorded Song of the Year
“AMIGO” – Karen Espinosa (Winner)
“Dios de Generaciones (En Vivo)” – Miel San Marcos, Josh Morales, Waleska Morales
“La Gloria de Dios” – ECCOS
“Quien Mas [Live]” – Gateway Worship Espanol, Miel San Marcos (ft. Waleska Morales)
“Yo Se” – Marco Barrientos

Children’s Recorded Song of The Year
“Everything” – The Getty Girls, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Sandra McCracken, Skye Peterson
“I’m So Blessed (Kids Version)” – CAIN
“Siempre Que Me Muevo” – Shout Praises Kids (Winner)
“Spring Sings” – Ellie Holcomb
“That’s My King” – Yancy

Christmas Recorded Song of the Year
“Angels (Glory To God)” – Phil Wickham
“Holy Forever (Christmas) [Apple Music Sessions]” – Chris Tomlin
“Joy To The World” – CeCe Winans (Winner)
“lowest of lows” – Josiah Queen
“We Sing (Joy to the World)” – Seph Schlueter, Leanna Crawford

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Anike – Anike
Christlike, California – Mile Minnick
CRY – Hulvey (Winner)
SORRY, I CHANGED (AGAIN) – Aaron Cole
The People We Became – nobigdyl.

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
honeydew (praise the Lord) – Strings and Heart
Jungle In The City – Gable Price and Friends
Living is proof. – EP – Citizens
Revolution – Skillet
trustfall – Stephen Stanley (Winner)

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
CHILD OF GOD – Forrest Frank (Winner)
Heaven On My Mind – TobyMac
I BELIEVE – DEVOTIONAL – Phil Wickham
The EXILE – Crowder
The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) – Josiah Queen

Inspirational Album of the Year
Church People – NewSong
Higher Name – Selah
Sing! Songs of the Bible – Live At The Getty Music Worship Conference – Keith & Kristyn Getty
Testament – Darlene Zschech
The People’s Hymnal – Jordan Smith (Winner)

Southern Gospel Album of the Year
Foundations: The Hymns Of My Heart – Chris Blue
I’m Free: Songs That Wrote My Story – Joseph Habedank
Live In Memphis – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Loving You – The Nelons (Winner)
Something to Shout About – Down East Boys

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year
Days That We Dreamed Of – Rhett Walker
Everything Good – Zane & Donna King
Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah – The Isaacs (Winner)
Straight from the Heart – High Road
There Is Hope – Mark Lowry

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
Dominion – Transformation Worship
Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann (Winner)
Still Karen – Karen Clark Sheard
Sunny Days – Yolanda Adams
Time Capsule – The Trilogy – FK&M, Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Marcus Cole

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
Covered Vol. 1 – EP – Melvin Crispell III
I Still Have You – Smokie Norful (Winner)
Live Your Best Life! – Brent Jones
Then and Now (Live) – Marvin Sapp
We Still Believe! – The Mississippi Mass Choir

Gospel Worship Album of the Year
Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles – Chandler Moore (Winner)
Presence People – Red Worship
The Maverick Way Reimagined – Maverick City Music
Victory Sounds (Live) – Sinach
You Belong (Live) – Jason Nelson

Spanish Language Album of the Year
Algo Nuevo Viene – Elevation Espanol
Base y Fundamento – Redimi2
Habita (Live) – Lakewood Music Espanol
KINTSUGI – Un Corazon (Winner)
La Novia – Christine D’Clario

Worship Album of the Year
Here I Am – EP – JWLKRS Worship
Move of God (Live) – SEU Worship
Sold out, sincerely – Benjamin William Hastings
We Must Respond (Live) – Bethel Music
When Wind Meets Fire – Elevation Worship (Winner)

Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year
A Drummer Boy Christmas (Live) [the Cinematic Concert Album] – for KING & COUNTRY
Christmas Morning – Paul McClure, Hannah McClure
Hallelujah! It’s Christmas! – Phil Wickham (Winner)
House Of David (Music Inspired By The Prime Video Original Series) [Season One] – Various Artists
Sweet Hymns Of Fellowship (Live) – Gaither

Musical/Choral Collection of the Year
Cain for Kids (Winner)
Hope Is Born
Ready To Sing I Surrender All
The Heart of Heaven
The Story: FLIGHT

Artist of the Year
Brandon Lake
CeCe Winans
Forrest Frank (Winner)
Josiah Queen
Lauren Daigle
Phil Wickham

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
A New Reality – Sarah Kroger
Heaven On My Mind – TobyMac (Winner)
Practice – Jackie Hill Perry
Sold out, sincerely – Benjamin William Hastings
We Must Respond (Live) – Bethel Music

Short Form Music Video of the Year (Concept)
“Can’t Stop Me” – TobyMac
“PRAY FOR ME” – Anike
“RIP” – bodie
“Somebody Prayed” – Crowder
“When I Fall” – Katy Nichole

Short Form Music Video of the Year (Performance)
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll (Winner)
“I’m So Blessed (Sunday Morning Choir)” – CAIN
“Imago Interlude” – nobigdyl.
“No Fear” – Jon Reddick
“The King Is In The Room” – Phil Wickham

Long Form Music Video of the Year
“A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)” – for KING & COUNTRY (Winner)
“Dios de Generaciones (En Vivo Desde Houston, TX)” – Miel San Marcos
“Infinity” – Brooke Ligertwood
“REBEL (Live From Lexington)” – Anne Wilson
“Reverie” – Paul Wright III

Feature Film of the Year
For the One
Reagan
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The Forge
The King of Kings (Winner)

Television Series of the Year
God. Family. Football.
House of David
Jesus: Refugee, Renegade, Redeemer with Bear Grylls
The Chosen (Winner)
When Hope Calls

 

 

Select quotes from the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards:

“Like Tauren said earlier, we don’t do what we do for this [award], we do what we do for Jesus. And all of us in here, we have an incredible opportunity. We get a chance to worship all over the world and do what we do. We have an awesome responsibility to bring as many people as we can when Jesus returns. How many want to take a lot of people with you, amen? Let’s remember why we do what we do so God would be glorified and so that as many souls as possible would come to know who Jesus is.

CeCe Winans, accepting the award for Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year

“I grew up singing these songs. I was a Black kid in a white family in a Hispanic church. To be able to do this music with my friends, my family – it means so much. We’re honored to be part of this great tapestry of music.”

-Israel Houghton accepting the award for Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year

“This moment is incredibly special and honestly a little bittersweet. It’s the first award I’ve ever accepted without my family. I’m not sure that’s something I’ll ever get used to. This album is the last thing we ever made together and to see it honored like this just means more than words can ever express. I wish more than anything that my family was standing here beside me today but I know they’re honored and looking down and saying, you did it kid.”

Autumn Nelon accepting the award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year

“I’m not even sure how much I belong speaking up here right now. I was thinking about Matthew when he talks about the least. He said when I was hungry you fed me, when I was thirsty you gave me water, when I was in jail you came and visited me. I realize I am standing here because people took time with the least. I want to give this message as clear as I can right now, the world is hearing about Jesus like they have never heard it before. And while they are hearing about Jesus, I encourage you to put faith on your feet and feet on your faith and walk out of this building and go do for the least. They’ve heard Jesus, now show them Jesus. Go feed the poor. Go visit the ones in jail. Go show them who Jesus was.”

Jelly Roll accepting the award for Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah”

God is so good. He’s so faithful. The sky is not high enough for where God is about to take you if you just believe. I thank God for the revival He’s about to bring into this world.”

Tamela Mann accepting the award for Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year

“Almost nine years ago I moved to Nashville because I felt like God was calling me to write songs to hopefully encourage people and point them to Jesus. I’m really grateful for the journey of the last nine years. There’s been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of moments I wanted to throw in the towel and give it up. I’m sure a lot of us have been there. But, by God’s grace, He put people in my life that encouraged me and pointed me back to Him.”

Leanna Crawford accepting the award for New Artist of the Year

 

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers, and JoAnna Illingworth and Shama Mrema as scriptwriters. Russell E. Hall returns as director and Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.