Aug 11, 2021 | News
52nd Annual GMA Dove Award Nominees Announced
in Star-Studded Livestream Event
Elevation Worship, for KING & COUNTRY, Brandon Lake,
CeCe Winans and Zach Williams Lead Nominations
The GMA Dove Awards in-person Nashville event will be held October 19th
and will air exclusively on TBN, Friday, October 22nd, 2021 8:00p.m. ET and 10:00p.m. ET
Nashville, Tenn. (August 11, 2021) – The Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce nominees for the 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards. Top nominations include Steven Furtick with ten (10) nominations, Chris Brown with nine (9), Wayne Haun with eight (8), seven (7) nominations each for Elevation Worship and Brandon Lake, six (6) to for KING & COUNTRY and five (5) nods to CeCe Winans, Ed Cash, Tiffany Hammer (Hudson) and Zach Williams. Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 4,600 submitted entries and include a wide range of creativity and artistic integrity in both artist and non-artist categories.
Nominees were announced in a star-studded livestream event featuring Alex Campos, John Cooper, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Kari Jobe, Brian & Jenn Johnson, Jonathan McReynolds, Wande and Tauren Wells. The announcement premiered on the GMA Dove Awards YouTube and Facebook pages with clips on the Dove Awards Instagram and TikTok.
“We are thrilled to welcome back an in-person Dove Awards this year and equally excited about our impressive list of nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “As we continue to celebrate the immense creativity and diversity within our community, we’re looking forward to an awards program this year’s nominees deserve.”
Voting for the final winners will run August 19th through August 26th. The GMA Dove Awards are happening live and in person in Nashville, TN, October 19th, 2021. A limited number of tickets and Fan Experiences are still available. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN, Friday, October 22nd, 2021 8:00p.m. ET and then again at 10:00p.m. ET.
Below is the list of nominations announced during today’s livestream. For the complete list of nominees, visit doveawards.com.
For official social media assets, click here. Images of top nominees can be found here. Logos for the 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards are located here.
Song of the Year
“Another In The Fire” (Writers) Chris Davenport, Joel Houston
“Famous For (I Believe)” (Writers) Alexis Slifer, Chuck Butler, Jordan Sapp, Krissy Nordhoff, Tauren Wells
“Graves Into Gardens” (Writers) Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Tiffany Hudson, Brandon Lake
“Speak To Me” (Writers) Donnie McClurkin, Jeremy Hicks, Johnta Austin, Troy Taylor
“Thank You For It All” (Writers) Aaron Lindsey, Christopher Thomas Leach, Jamone Davis, Marvin Sapp
“The Blessing” (Writers) Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Steven Furtick
“The Father’s House” (Writers) Benjamin Hastings, Cory Asbury, Ethan Hulse
“There Was Jesus” (Writers) Jonathan Smith, Casey Beathard, Zach Williams
“TOGETHER” (Writers) Joel Smallbone, Josh Kerr, Kirk Franklin, Luke Smallbone, Ran Jackson, Ricky Jackson
“Truth Be Told” (Writers) AJ Pruis, Matthew West
Artist of the Year
Elevation Worship
for KING & COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle
Phil Wickham
Zach Williams
New Artist of the Year
Brandon Lake
CAIN
Dante Bowe
Hope Darst
Maverick City Music
Gospel Artist of the Year
CeCe Winans
Jonathan McReynolds
Kirk Franklin
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Travis Greene
Southern Gospel Artist of the Year
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
Jason Crabb
Joseph Habedank
Triumphant Quartet
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Famous For (I Believe)” – Tauren Wells
“Good God Almighty” – Crowder
“Hold On To Me” – Lauren Daigle
“There Was Jesus” – Zach Williams, ft. Dolly Parton
“TOGETHER” – for KING & COUNTRY, ft. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“First Church of Mercy” – The Sound
“I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen” – Gaither Vocal Band
“My King is Known By Love” – Crabb Family
“Religion Isn’t Working” – Joseph Habedank
“Wake Up” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“I Got It” – Pastor Mike Jr.
“joyful” – Dante Bowe
“Never Lost” – CeCe Winans
“Speak To Me” – Koryn Hawthorne
“Touch from You” – Tamela Mann
Worship Recorded Song of the Year
“Battle Belongs” – Phil Wickham
“God So Loved” – We The Kingdom
“Graves Into Gardens” – Elevation Worship, ft. Brandon Lake
“Jireh” – Elevation Worship / Maverick City Music, ft. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine
“Peace Be Still” – Hope Darst
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
3:34 – Zauntee
Feared By Hell – Social Club Misfits
His Glory Alone – KB
Restoration – Lecrae
The Divine Storm – Ty Brasel
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
Chris Tomlin & Friends – Chris Tomlin
Holy Water – We The Kingdom
Inhale (exhale) – MercyMe
No Stranger – Natalie Grant
To Love A Fool – Cory Asbury
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year
Alone With My Faith – Harry Connick, Jr.
Little More Love – Jordan Family Band
My Savior – Carrie Underwood
Peace At Last – Nelons
Songs of the Times – Isaacs
Spanish Language Album of the Year
Desesperado (Spanish) – Evan Craft
Mil Generaciones – Miel San Marcos, Essential Worship
Renovada – EP – Blanca
Todos Mis Mejores Amigos – Hillsong Young & Free, Hillsong En Español
Uno – Alex Zurdo – Redimi2 – Funky
Worship Album of the Year
Graves Into Gardens – Elevation Worship
Old Church Basement – Elevation Worship / Maverick City Music
Revival’s In The Air – Bethel Music
The Blessing (Live) – Kari Jobe
The People Tour: Live from Madison Square Garden – Hillsong UNITED
Inspirational Film of the Year
A Week Away
Fatima
Mahalia
My Brother’s Keeper
QUEEN ESTHER
About Gospel Music Association & Foundation:
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. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, The GMA Hall of Fame Induction and Honors Ceremony, and the IMMERSE Conference. For more information on the GMA, visit www.gospelmusic.org and follow @gmadoveawards on Facebook, Twitter, and @gospelmusicassoc on Instagram.
About TBN:
TBN is the world’s most watched faith-and-family broadcasting network, reaching over 175 nations with inspirational programming in 14 languages and on 32 global networks. TBN, the original pioneer of faith-based television, is expanding into other marketplaces such as publishing and innovative digital content in various formats, all 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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Oct 20, 2020 | News
Nashville, TN (October, 20, 2020) The Gospel Music Association is excited to announce more exceptional performers for this year’s 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards. Artists scheduled to perform include “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” nominee Tauren Wells featuring Christine D’Clario, Jenn Johnson and Jekalyn Carr (a historic multi-genre collaboration), Jeremy Camp, Travis Greene, Pastor Mike Jr., The Sound and Switch.
Viewers can tune in to the global broadcast Friday, October 30th at 8 pm EST / 7 pm CST exclusively on TBN.
In the week leading up to the broadcast, SiriusXM will be airing exclusive performance clips on The Message (Channel 63), enLighten (Channel 65), and Kirk Franklin’s Praise (Channel 64).
As part of the show’s new direction, interview segments will take a deeper look into the year in Christian music featuring in-depth artist reflections from artists like Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Jonathan McReynolds, Karen Peck, Matthew West, Christine D’Clario, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes will share a special story-behind-the-song moment discussing the meaning of Dove Nominated Worship Song of the Year “The Blessing” as well as Leeland, Mandisa, and Sinach sharing the origin of “Way Maker.” Another special element that’s new to the Dove Awards is a segment of fans and artists talking about favorite songs that have impacted their lives.
“All of this year’s performers and participating artists have really brought something special and we are looking forward to what an impactful show it’s going to be,” shares GMA President Jackie Patillo. “We’re also thrilled to be working with SiriusXM to help spread the word about this year’s show.”
Watch the trailer below for an exclusive early look at this year’s special show.
In an effort to reach as many Christian music fans as possible, the GMA has rallied with the industry’s top Christian radio partners and Digital Service Providers to share this year’s Dove Awards. In addition to the SiriusXM partnership, radio partners like KLOVE, The Fish Nashville, Rejoice!, Musical SoulFood, YES Lord Radio, and many more will be cross-posting the live event on their respective Facebook pages, hosting artist interviews and leveraging their airtime and social platforms to raise awareness. Digital Service Providers including Spotify and Pandora are creating specific playlists for the GMA Dove Awards Nominees and Apple Music is hosting a special Dove Awards Room featuring nominated music. Pandora’s Dove Award Nominees 2020 playlist can be heard HERE and the Dove Award Moments to Remember playlist HERE.
The GMA is honored to see the enthusiasm shown from artists and valued partners and excited to share the show’s re-imagined format. 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 HERE, 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
Oct 11, 2019 | News
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced the final round of performers and presenters for the 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Casting Crowns, Matthew West, GAWVI, Tedashii, Jekalyn Carr, Jonathan McReynolds, Shirley Caesar, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Ledger, Karen Peck and New River, Joseph Habedank and Triumphant Quartet are set to perform. Anthony Brown, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Donald Lawrence, Dr. Bobby Jones, for KING & COUNTRY, Francesca Battistelli, Jeremy Camp, Josh Turner, Kari Jobe, Kathie Lee Gifford, Koryn Hawthorne, Natalie Grant, Pastor Brian Houston, Pat Barrett, Tauren Wells, Travis Greene and Pat Boone will join the show as presenters.
The GMA is also pleased to announce that SiriusXM will br broadcasting the Dove Awards Telecast ‘live’ Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET on SiriusXM’s The Message (ch. 63). There will also be a pre-show special from the red carpet at 6:30 p.m. ET. To listen to this ‘live’ broadcast from the 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards, start your free trial and tune in at www.SiriusXM.com/doveawards. SiriusXM subscribers are able to listen to The Message (ch. 63) on SiriusXM radios, and those with streaming access can listen online, on-the-go with SiriusXM mobile app and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, Amazon Alexa devices, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to www.SiriusXM.com/streaming to learn more.
“The GMA is excited to partner with SiriusXM for our 50th Anniversary Dove Award celebration. This first-ever ‘live’ airing of the Dove Awards on the SiriusXM platform allow us to fullfill our mission to reach even more people with this life changing music,” said President and Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association, Jackie Patillo.
SiriusXM’s Senior Director of Music Programming, Al Skop added, “SiriusXM is thrilled to be the first radio broadcaster ever to bring the Dove Awards to a ‘live’ nationwide audience. Especially on such a momentous year for the 50th annual event, we’re looking forward to listeners of The Message coming together in celebration and song!”
In celebration of the historical 50th anniversary, Gospel Music will be featured in iconic venues around Nashville on Sunday, October 13:
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 Bill Gaither, Gaither Vocal Band, Matt Maher, Mark Lowry, Bart Millard, Michael English, Russ Taff, David Phelps, Riley Clemmons, Aaron Cole, Austin French, Josh Baldwin, Kelontae Gavin, 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. 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 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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