Gospel music’s biggest night belonged to Phil Wickham — but the gospel categories had their own heroes.
The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, held Tuesday, October 6, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, celebrated the artists, songs, and stories shaping Christian and gospel music. Hosted for a fourth consecutive year by Tauren Wells under the theme “Together For One” — drawn from Colossians 3:14 — the evening mixed powerhouse performances, emotional tributes, and a clear message of unity. The ceremony aired Friday, October 9, exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app, with a simulcast on SiriusXM The Message.
Wickham’s Night
Phil Wickham entered the evening leading the field with nine nominations — and left with three Dove Awards, including the night’s top honor: Artist of the Year.
Wickham also won Worship Album of the Year for “Song of the Saints” and Children’s Recorded Song of the Year for “Follow the Light” with Brandon Engman and Angel. Accepting Artist of the Year from longtime Christian music star Chris Tomlin, Wickham struck a humble note.
“Honestly, I think this is so beautiful tonight,” he said from the stage, according to USA Today. “Sometimes I struggle receiving this because that’s what it’s all about… it’s another thing to lay at His feet and say, thank you Jesus for what we get to do, and let’s keep going guys.”
In his acceptance remarks for the worship album honor, Wickham reflected on the privilege of writing songs that Christians sing in churches around the world, thanking Jesus for the opportunity and stressing he doesn’t take a moment of ministry for granted.
Song of the Year: “Dusty Bibles”
The night’s Song of the Year honor went to Josiah Queen’s “Dusty Bibles,” recognizing songwriters Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, and John Michael Howell. Queen also took Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for the same track, finishing the night with three Doves — tied with Wickham and Brandon Lake for the most wins.
Jamie MacDonald was named New Artist of the Year, while Brandon Lake earned Songwriter of the Year (Artist) plus Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for “King of Hearts.” Lake and country star Lainey Wilson also shared Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year for their collaboration “The Jesus I Know Now,” which they performed live during the ceremony. Jacob Sooter took Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist), and Jonathan Smith was named Producer of the Year.
Gospel Categories Shine
For readers of The Gospel Report, the gospel categories delivered some of the night’s most meaningful moments.
CeCe Winans — the most awarded female gospel artist in history — won Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for the radio edit of “More Than This” featuring Todd Dulaney. It was her second consecutive year winning the category.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard took home two awards: Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for “TASHA,” and Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “Church,” her collaboration with John Legend.
Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts won Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “Still (Live),” while Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers took Traditional Gospel Album of the Year for “Revival: Live in Dallas.” Red Worship won Gospel Worship Album of the Year for “Live at Redemption Church,” and veteran Southern Gospel artist Karen Peck earned her ninth career Dove Award with Southern Gospel Album of the Year for “Good Answers” with New River.
Worship Recorded Song of the Year went to Elevation Worship and Chandler Moore for “God I’m Just Grateful.”
Performances and Tributes
The evening opened with TobyMac reuniting with fellow Diverse City member Mr. TalkBox for the first time in 10 years on “Heaven on My Mind.” Anne Wilson delivered a rousing rendition of “Who I Am to You,” and Tauren Wells performed with Naomi Raine.
One of the night’s most anticipated moments came near the end, when Amy Grant and Natalie Grant joined forces for a tribute to Dolly Parton — including a duet of “How Great Thou Art.” Parton, who died on August 25, was also among the evening’s winners, earning Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year alongside The Grascals for “Broken Angels.”
A tribute to gospel legend Richard Smallwood featured Jonathan McReynolds, Donald Lawrence, and Kierra Sheard — a passing-of-the-torch moment that brought the gospel community to its feet.
“Together For One”
The night’s theme, “Together For One,” based on Colossians 3:14, highlighted the shared mission of pointing audiences to Jesus Christ — a message echoed across generations and genres, from gospel and country to contemporary pop, Spanish-language worship, rap, and bluegrass.
An encore broadcast airs Friday, October 16, at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET on TBN, the TBN+ app, and TBN’s YouTube channel.
For gospel music, the 57th Doves affirmed what the faithful already knew: from CeCe Winans’ record-setting run to Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s crossover power to the next generation rising through artists like Jamie MacDonald and Josiah Queen, the sound of the Black church — and the wider church — has never been stronger.
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