The 2025 Dove Awards nominees represent the very best of Christian and gospel music, and this year’s class brings both legendary artists and breakthrough newcomers to center stage. Announced on July 30, 2025, the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will celebrate faith, creativity, and the powerful way music proclaims the Gospel. The awards ceremony will take place next week on October 7, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, with exclusive broadcast coverage on TBN and the TBN+ app.
Quick Update – Dove Award Winners
We also published the full list of the 2025 Dove Award Winners (Updated Article)
9 Nominations – 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
With Brandon Lake earning a record-breaking nine nominations, the 2025 Dove Awards spotlight an incredible year for worship music. From CeCe Winans to rising star Forrest Frank, these nominees have touched millions of hearts with songs that point people toward Jesus.
Brandon Lake Leads 2025 GMA Dove Awards Nominees With Nine Nominations
Brandon Lake is having a monumental year. The worship leader and songwriter earned nine nominations across multiple categories, solidifying his position as one of Christian music’s most influential voices. His powerful songs like “That’s Who I Praise” and his collaboration on “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Jelly Roll have resonated deeply within the church and beyond.
Worship isn’t about performance—it’s about surrender. When we lead people to Jesus, we’re joining what creation has been doing since the beginning—declaring His glory.
— Brandon Lake, Worship Leader & Songwriter
His nominations reflect not just musical excellence but a heart fully devoted to leading people into God’s presence.
The Gospel Music Association voting members clearly recognize Lake’s anointed gift for creating songs that help believers express their love for Jesus in authentic, powerful ways.
Artist of the Year: Faith’s Finest Compete for Top Honor
The Artist of the Year category showcases the diversity and depth of contemporary Christian music. The 2025 Dove Awards nominees for this prestigious honor include:
- Brandon Lake – Worship leader with global influence
- CeCe Winans – Gospel legend with decades of ministry
- Forrest Frank – Pop/contemporary breakout sensation
- Josiah Queen – Storytelling songwriter touching hearts
- Lauren Daigle – Crossover artist maintaining gospel roots
- Phil Wickham – Worship pastor leading millions in praise
Each nominee brings unique gifts to the kingdom. CeCe Winans represents gospel music royalty, while newcomers like Forrest Frank prove that fresh voices can carry timeless truth. Phil Wickham’s “The King Is In The Room” has become a modern worship anthem, and Lauren Daigle continues bridging mainstream success with ministry impact.
Song of the Year Nominees Celebrate God’s Goodness
The Song of the Year category honors the songwriters behind 2025’s most impactful tracks. Presented by MultiTracks.com, this year’s nominees include:
- “Counting My Blessings” – Seph Schlueter’s gratitude anthem
- “Good Day” – Forrest Frank’s infectious joy
- “Goodbye Yesterday” – Gracie Binion’s freedom declaration
- “Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll’s powerful collaboration
- “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” – Leanna Crawford’s peaceful reminder
- “That’s My King” – A royal celebration of Jesus
- “That’s Who I Praise” – Brandon Lake’s worship declaration
- “The Prodigal” – Josiah Queen’s redemption story
- “The Truth” – Megan Woods’ honest confession
- “Up!” – Forrest Frank and Connor Price’s uplifting track
These songs have soundtracked countless worship services, car rides, and personal devotion times. They’ve helped believers process grief, celebrate victories, and remember God’s faithfulness in every season.
Brandon Lake, Hard Fought Hallelujah | 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
Complete 2025 Dove Awards Nominees List by Category
Worship Recorded Song of the Year
Presented by CCLI, this category honors songs being sung in churches worldwide:
- “At The Altar” – ELEVATION RHYTHM featuring Tiffany Hudson and Abbie Gamboa
- “I Know A Name” – Elevation Worship with Chris Brown and Brandon Lake
- “Mighty Name Of Jesus (Live)” – Hope Darst and The Belonging Co.
- “The King Is In The Room” – Phil Wickham
- “What A God (Live)” – SEU Worship, ONE HOUSE, featuring multiple artists
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
The Dove Awards recognize pop excellence with these nominees:
- “Desperate” – Jamie MacDonald
- “GOODBYE YESTERDAY” – ELEVATION RHYTHM featuring Grace Binion
- “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” – Leanna Crawford
- “That’s Who I Praise” – Brandon Lake
- “YOUR WAY’S BETTER” – Forrest Frank
Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year
The Gospel Music Association celebrates these powerful gospel worship moments:
- “Come Jesus Come” – CeCe Winans and Shirley Caesar
- “God Is In Control” – DOE
- “One Hallelujah” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, Israel Houghton
- “Rest On Us (Flow) [Live]” – Naomi Raine
- “Yahweh” – Jason Nelson featuring Melvin Crispell III
New Artist of the Year Spotlights Emerging Talent
Presented by the Cantinas Arts Foundation, these rising stars represent gospel music’s bright future:
- Abbie Gamboa
- Caleb Gordon
- Leanna Crawford
- Patrick Mayberry
- Strings and Heart
Elevation Worship, I Know A Name | 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
First-Time Nominees Bring Fresh Voices to Gospel Music
This year’s 2025 Dove Awards feature an exceptionally diverse class of first-time nominees, proving that God continues raising up new voices to proclaim His truth.
Among the 40+ first-time artist nominees are names like Jelly Roll (whose testimony of redemption through faith has captivated millions), bodie, Gracie Binion, Annatoria, and Roosevelt Stewart. These artists represent different genres, backgrounds, and ministry contexts—but share a common calling to use music for God’s glory.
“We love honoring the incredible gifts of our community,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. The organization received over 2,800 entries this year, with professional members voting to determine nominees across all categories.
Diversity Defines 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
The Dove Awards nominees span an impressive range of musical styles:
- Southern Gospel legends like Karen Peck & New River and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
- Spanish Language artists including Marcos Witt, Gabriel EMC, and Blanca
- Rap/Hip Hop nominees like Hulvey, Aaron Cole, and nobigdyl.
- Bluegrass/Country/Roots artists including The Isaacs and High Road
This diversity isn’t just about musical preference—it reflects the beautiful reality that the Gospel transcends cultural boundaries. Every tribe, tongue, and nation will worship Jesus, and the GMA Dove Awards celebrate that kingdom diversity.
Annatoria, Hark Now Hear | 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
How to Watch and Attend the 2025 Dove Awards Nominees Celebration
The 2025 Dove Awards nominees will be celebrated at gospel music’s premier event. Follow these five steps to experience the show:
- Download the TBN+ App
Download the free TBN+ app on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Also on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
- Mark Your Calendar
The live ceremony takes place October 7, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena. The broadcast airs October 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET on TBN and TBN+ app.
- Purchase Tickets (Optional)
Visit doveawards.com to purchase tickets for the live event or Music City Fan Experience packages. Tickets grant access to the October 7 ceremony in Nashville.
- Watch Road to the Dove Awards
Before the main event, watch “Road to the Dove Awards” series on TBN+ featuring Kristin Adams interviewing nominees like Pastor Mike Jr., Jekalyn Carr, and Katy Nichole.
- Join the Conversation
Follow @gmadoveawards on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and live reactions during the broadcast.
Where to Stream the 2025 Dove Awards Live
TBN and TBN+ Exclusive Broadcast Details
The 2025 Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM ET. The broadcast will also simulcast on SiriusXM The Message.
A re-broadcast airs Friday, October 17, at the same time slots.
You can attend the live event on October 7, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Tickets and limited Music City Fan Experience packages are available at doveawards.com.
Road to the Dove Awards: Behind-the-Scenes Series
Before the big night, don’t miss “Road to the Dove Awards” on the TBN+ app! Host Kristin Adams takes you behind the scenes as artists receive their nomination news via surprise FaceTime calls.
Watch exclusive episodes featuring:
- Pastor Mike Jr.
- Jekalyn Carr
- Katy Nichole
- Karen Peck
- CAIN
New episodes dropped every Friday starting August 29, 2025. These intimate moments capture the joy, shock, and gratitude artists feel when learning they’re Dove Awards nominees—reminding us that behind every nomination is a person faithfully stewarding their God-given gifts.
Jekalyn Carr | 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
Tauren Wells Returns as Host for Third Consecutive Year
Eight-time Dove Award winner Tauren Wells will host the 56th Annual ceremony for his third consecutive year. The dynamic worship leader and performer brings energy, authenticity, and genuine love for the gospel music community.
“Our music is just a reflection of a much greater song… one that began when God spoke the world into existence,” Wells shared about this year’s theme. His hosting style combines reverence for the moment with joy-filled celebration.
Tauren Wells – Returning Host | 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
Creation Sings: The Theme Behind This Year’s Celebration
The theme “Creation Sings” reminds us that all creation declares God’s glory—from ocean rhythms to human praise. It’s a beautiful framework for celebrating how Christian and gospel artists are joining creation’s eternal worship song.
“From the rhythms of the ocean to the harmonies of human praise, all of creation is echoing His glory,” Wells explains. This theme connects nominated artists to something far bigger than themselves: the cosmic worship of the Creator.
The Gospel Music Association and Foundation have championed gospel music since 1964, working to expose, promote, and celebrate the Gospel through music. With the 2025 Dove Awards, they continue that mission—honoring today’s artists while reaching millions worldwide with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
CeCe Winans, Artist of the Year Nominee | 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
EXPERT QUOTES – 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
It’s such an exciting time as we announce this year’s nominees. We love honoring the incredible gifts of our community of artists, songwriters, producers, and creatives and showcasing all they’ve accomplished this past year.
— Jackie Patillo, President of Gospel Music Association
Our music is just a reflection of a much greater song… one that began when God spoke the world into existence. From the rhythms of the ocean to the harmonies of human praise, all of creation is echoing His glory.
— Tauren Wells, 2025 Dove Awards Host,
Gospel music isn’t just entertainment—it’s ministry. Every song, every lyric, every melody should point people to the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
— CeCe Winans, Gospel Music Legend & Artist of the Year Nominee
FAQ Section – 2025 Dove Awards Nominees
The 2025 Dove Awards will be held on October 7, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM ET, with a simulcast on SiriusXM The Message.
Brandon Lake leads the 2025 Dove Awards nominees with nine nominations across multiple categories, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Worship Recorded Song of the Year. His songs “That’s Who I Praise” and “Hard Fought Hallelujah” are among the year’s most impactful worship anthems.
You can watch the 2025 Dove Awards exclusively on TBN or through the free TBN+ app on October 10, 2025. The show airs at 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM ET. SiriusXM The Message will also simulcast the event. A re-broadcast is scheduled for October 17, 2025.
Tauren Wells will host the 2025 Dove Awards for his third consecutive year. The eight-time Dove Award winner and worship leader brings energy and authenticity to gospel music’s biggest night. This year’s theme is “Creation Sings.”
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) is the organization behind the Dove Awards. Founded in 1964, the GMA’s mission is to expose, promote, and celebrate the Gospel through music. They serve Christian and gospel music creatives and professionals while preserving the legacy of gospel music history. 
Managing Editor @ ELEV8 Magazine | Bestselling Author | Finance Analyst – A bestselling author and finance analyst, Charles Myambo serves as Managing Editor at ELEV8 Magazine. Known for blending data precision with faith-driven insight, he brings clarity to complex topics — from money and purpose to media influence.
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