Oct 30, 2020 | News
NASHVILLE, Tenn (October 30, 2020) – The 51st Annual GMA Dove Award winners were announced tonight via worldwide broadcast, which aired exclusively on TBN. Under the banner of “Carry The Change”, the show celebrated Gospel Music’s diversity and promoted unity through dynamic performances and testimonials. The night’s biggest awards went to for KING & COUNTRY for “Artist of the Year”, We The Kingdom for “New Artist of the Year”, Tasha Cobbs Leonard for “Gospel Artist of the Year” (presented by SoundExchange), and Joseph Habedank for “Southern Gospel Artist of the Year”.
Re-imagined to accommodate the absence of a live audience, this year’s Dove Awards featured numerous one-of-a-kind collaborations including a historic performance by “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” winner Tauren Wells featuring Christine D’Clario, Jenn Johnson and Jekalyn Carr. More special moments included heartfelt stories from fans about songs that have impacted their lives as well as insights from favorite artists like Zach Williams, Natalie Grant, and Jonathan McReynolds talking about this year’s pandemic pause and the things they’ve experienced through it.
For the full list of winners, click here.
For photos from the the 51st Annual Dove Awards, click here.
The majority of this year’s GMA Dove Award winners were announced during a special Facebook stream of the Pre-Telecast Awards Presentation, which aired October 29th.
To view the Pre-Telecast in it’s entirety, click here.
In partnership with Love Justice International and SoundExchange, the GMA Dove Awards is proud to present extended interviews not included in the TBN broadcast. Watch the interviews here.
A partial list of winners:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: for KING & COUNTRY
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Tauren Wells
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: We The Kingdom
SONG OF THE YEAR: “Way Maker” – (Writer) Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, (Publisher) Integrity Music Europe
WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “The Blessing (Live)” – Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship, (Writers) Kari Jobe Carnes, Cody Carnes, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (ARTIST): Zach Williams
SOUTHERN GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Joseph Habedank
GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
INSPIRATIONAL FILM OF THE YEAR: I Still Believe (Directors) Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, (Producers) Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “People” – Jonathan McReynolds
GOSPEL WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Broken Record – Travis Greene, (Producers) Travis Greene, Brunes Charles
RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR: MOOD // DOOM – Social Club Misfits, (Producers) Young Sidechain, Dirty Rice, Cardec, Ben Lopez, Colby Wedgeworth, Tedd Tjornhom, Martin Santiago, Dave James, Rey King, Jordan Sapp
RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “Follow God” – Kanye West
SPANISH LANGUAGE ALBUM OF THE YEAR: “Aleluya (En La Tierra)” – Elevation Worship, (Producers) Chris Brown, Steven Furtick
Select quotes from artists about the 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards:
“I think with the Dove Awards, the uniqueness of it, is that they take all the walls down, take all the divides out and come together to celebrate each other.”- Danny Gokey
“The Dove Awards, from the beginning, said two great things to me – excellence and diversity. To see all the different representations and expressions of Gospel Music, of Christian music, of Jesus music was so beautiful to me.”- Jonathan McReynolds
“It shows all the different styles that make us one, yet that common theme, which is the hope of Jesus, the love of Jesus.”- Natalie Grant
Watch the full show by downloading the TBN app (available on Apple and Android devices) or on YouTube or Facebook.
Sep 30, 2020 | News
Nashville, TN (September 30, 2020) — The Gospel Music Association is excited to announce the first round of performers for the 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards. Artists scheduled to perform include Artist of the Year Nominees Tasha Cobbs Leonard and for KING & COUNTRY featuring Lecrae and WRLDFMS Tony Williams as well as Apollo LTD, Jonathan McReynolds, Leeland featuring Mandisa, Sinach and Maverick City Choir, and We The Kingdom with more performers yet to be announced. Viewers will be able to watch the global broadcast Friday, October 30th at 8pm/7pm CST on TBN.
In an effort to capture both the trials and triumphs of 2020, the GMA is putting together a new kind of Dove Awards; one that will inspire through both music and story. Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s show will not be performed to a live audience. Instead, through a variety of pre-recorded performances, producer Paul Wright plans to incorporate a variety of new elements to create more of a cinematic approach than previous shows. In the video below, Wright shares his creative vision for this year’s reimagined event.
As these special moments are filmed and artists have been brought into this year’s format, many have expressed their excitement, including seven-time GMA Dove Award-winner, Natalie Grant, who said, “During this unprecedented time, what the GMA team is pulling together is absolutely incredible. They’re crafting something brand new that will uplift and inspire you and your family in a fresh way. It’s the Dove Awards like you’ve never experienced them before, and you won’t want to miss it!” GMA Dove Award-winner and 2020 nominee Jekalyn Carr shared her excitement saying, “One of my favorite things about the Dove Awards is how it’s always one big family reunion! Even though we won’t be able to be together in person this year, the GMA team is working to put together a new kind of show that will showcase the incredible stories and songs that have carried us through this year. I’m already inspired and I know you will be too.”
Christian Healthcare Ministries is excited to partner on this thoughtful re-invention.
“The Bible frequently mentions music as a form of worship—and we believe that spiritual health directly affects a person’s physical health. As Psalm 1 says, “Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” Christian Healthcare Ministries’ first priority is to glorify God, whether in word or deed. Worshipful music glorifies our Lord, and the Gospel Music Association and the messages its members send to the world glorify God and uplift and share his kingdom,” said J. Craig Brown, CHM President and CEO. “We’re very pleased to be a part of GMA, and we congratulate and thank its members for their contributions to the spiritual health of Christians everywhere.”
With the new format and all-star line-up, this year’s awards show will be a historic event not to be missed. The 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards will air Friday, October 30th, exclusively on TBN. Viewers can locate the broadcast on TBN using the network’s channel finder, via TBN’s live stream HERE, or by downloading the app to view TBN on Apple or Android devices.
For a full list of nominees, please visit www.doveawards.com
Sep 27, 2019 | News
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced another round of performances for the 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards, including a tribute celebrating Bill and Gloria Gaither. Bill Gaither along with the Gaither Vocal Band, Matt Maher, Mark Lowry, Bart Millard, Michael English, Russ Taff, and David Phelps will collaborate for this special segment. In addition, there will be performances throughout the evening from all New Artist of the Year nominees, including Riley Clemmons, Aaron Cole, Austin French, Josh Baldwin and Kelontae Gavin.
GMA also announced the first round of their star-studded presenter lineup, including Lauren Daigle, John Crist, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Zach Williams, Blanca, Brown Bannister, Don Moen, Evan Craft, Gloria Gaither, Nicole C. Mullen, Point of Grace, Shirley Caesar and William McDowell.
The awards show will be held ‘live’ on October 15 in Nashville, Tennessee and will air exclusively on TBN October 20 at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. Previously announced performers include MercyMe, Lecrae, Phil Wickham, Brian Johnson and the Bethel Music Band, Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Cece Winans, TobyMac, Hillsong Worship and Kirk Franklin. More peformer and presenter announcements are forthcoming. Lauren Daigle leads artist nominations with six, followed by for KING & COUNTRY and Kirk Franklin with five nods each. Top nominated writer/producer Wayne Haun scored 10 nominations. View the full list of nominees here.
The 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards announced its continued partnership with CCLI to present the Worship Song of the Year Award. “For over 30 years CCLI has been empowering worship by providing affordable and legal content, resources and media in partnership with publishers, artists, songwriters and the church. The Gospel Music Association is at the core of that mission and we are proud to support the work of the GMA,” said President/CEO Christian Copyright Licensing International, Malcolm Hawker.
The 50th celebration will be a powerful evening paying tribute to 50 years of special appearances and sensational stage highlights over the decades. Performances representing Modern Rock, Rap/Hip Hop, Pop/Contemporary, Inspirational, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, Worship and more will make up an evening praising the rich musical diversity from the past, present and future of Gospel and Christian music. Nominees are determined by GMA’s professional members, and winners will be voted on by the entire GMA membership. For more information on the GMA Dove Awards, visit www.doveawards.com.
Viewers can locate this year’s Dove Awards broadcast on TBN by locating it on the network’s channel finder. Watch TBN on their livestream HERE or download the all-new app to view TBN on your Apple or Android devices.
Oct 17, 2018 | News
Gospel and Christian Music’s Biggest Night Shines the Light
With Groundbreaking Performances and an Array of Winners
Live From Allen Arena on the Lipscomb University Campus
Tauren Wells Garners 4 First Time Doves Including
Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year,
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
Cory Asbury and Songwriter Colby Wedgeworth Take Home Three Each
at the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards
Tune in to TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network)
Sunday, October 21 at 9 p.m. ET

Tauren Wells took home four awards at the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards in Nashville on October 16. 2018. Photo: Jamie Gilliam
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 16, 2018) — THE 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out tonight in the Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. The awards will be televised on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) on Sunday, October 21 at 9 p.m. ET. The big winner was first-time nominee, newcomer Tauren Wells, who took home four awards, including Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and New Artist of The Year. Superstar Zach Williams took home Artist of the Year. The night was fiiled with many remarkable performances, including first time collaborations including Kirk Franklin and Tori Kelly, Jason Crabb and Rascal Flatts, as well as Natalie Grant and Koryn Hawthorne. See the full list of winners here.

Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin performing at the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards in Nashville on October 16, 2018. Photo: Jamie Gilliam
Partial list of winners:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Zach Williams
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Tauren Wells
SONG OF THE YEAR: “Reckless Love” – writers Caleb Culver, Cory Asbury, Ran Jackson, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Richmond Park Publishing, Watershed Music Publishing
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (ARTIST): Matthew West
SOUTHERN GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Gaither Vocal Band
GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
INSPIRATIONAL FILM OF THE YEAR: I CAN ONLY IMAGINE (directors) The Erwin Brothers, (producers) Kevin Downes and Cindy Bond

Lauren Daigle performing at the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards in Nashville on October 16, 2018. Photo: Jamie Gilliam
Select quotes from the 49th Annal GMA Doves Awards:
“I was literally in the back with my pants undone changing… then I heard my name and ran. ‘What award is this? ..New Artist of the Year?’ I am so thankful for this privilege. Thank You!” – Tauren Wells on accepting New Artist of the Year
“What a privilege this is. Isn’t it just like the Lord to take our failures and our overall jacked-up mess and turn it into something beautiful. He takes our disappointments and turns them into a dance floor. He allows us to be kids again.” – Cory Asbury, co-writer of Song of the Year “Reckless Love”
“When you’re a little kid in Alabama singin’ gospel songs….you never think someday you’ll win an award for doing what you love.” Bradley Walker – winner for Bluegrass/Country Roots Album
“I was at the first Dove Awards as a child. I remember being in those bleachers wishing I could be Stryper. You know you are old when a kid says you like the man from the UP movie.” Mark Lowry
“The performances were second to none and offered glory and revenant love to our father and his kingdom, ” says GMA President and Executive Director Jackie Patillo.
About GMA:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, Latin and more. The GMA community includes agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.
About Trinity Broadcasting Network:
Trinity Broadcasting Network is the world’s largest and most watched faith-and-family broadcaster, reaching over 175 nations across the earth with inspirational and entertaining programming 24 hours a day in 14 languages and on 32 global networks. As the world’s most influential non-profit religious broadcaster, TBN has led the way in expanding the impact of faith-based television across the earth through the creation of innovative content designed to reach every viewer demographic with the life-changing message of hope and grace. To find out more about the TBN Networks, visit us at tbn.org.
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Sep 28, 2018 | News
GMA ANNOUNCES ALL-STAR PRESENTERS FOR 49TH ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS
Awards to be held live Tuesday, October 16, in Nashville, Tennessee and will air exclusively on TBN on Sunday, October 21 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 28, 2018) – The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced all-star presenters for the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards, including Bart Millard, Bill Gaither, Dr. Bobby Jones, Chris Tomlin, Deborah Joy Winans, Devon Franklin, Jasmine Murray, Mark Lowry, Marvin Sapp, Matt Maher, Matthew West, Pat Barrett, Ricky Dillard, Russ Taff and Tasha Cobbs Leonard.
The awards show will be held live on October 16 in Nashville, Tennessee and will air exclusively on TBN October 21 at 8 p.m. CT. Previously announced performers include Big Daddy Weave, Cory Asbury, Jekalyn Carr, for KING & COUNTRY, Kirk Franklin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lauren Daigle, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, Social Club Misfits, Tauren Wells, Tori Kelly, Zach Williams and Jason Crabb with Rascal Flatts. Tickets are on sale now at www.doveawards.com.
The Dove Awards also offers music lovers unique access through its Fan Experiences with new perks being added all the time. All Fan Experience ticket holders will receive free admission to the Dove Awards Songwriters Showcase on Monday, October 16, featuring Jason Gray, Tim Timmons, Michael Farren, Andy Gullahom and more. In addition, the Fan Experience ticket holders will receive free admission to The Bible Tour anywhere in the country. Only 50 Red Carpet Experience tickets remain. For complete details, visit www.doveawards.com/fan-experience.
The GMA Dove Awards celebrate the contributions of artists from every style of Christian/Gospel music. Nominees are determined by GMA’s professional members, and winners will be voted on by the entire GMA membership. Tauren Wells leads artist nominations with eight, followed by Zach Williams with six and Cory Asbury, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and TobyMac with five nods each. Top nominated writer/producer Colby Wedgeworth scored eight nominations. View the full list of nominees HERE.
Viewers can locate this year’s Dove Awards broadcast on TBN by locating it on the network’s channel finder. Watch TBN on their livestream HERE, or download the all-new app to view TBN on your Apple or Android devices.
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