Brandon Lake Dominates 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards with Five Wins

Nashville, TN – Brandon Lake was the biggest winner at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards held yesterday, October 7th, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, taking home five honors including Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”

The awards show, which celebrates excellence in Christian and gospel music, also saw Forrest Frank named Artist of the Year and Leanna Crawford recognized as New Artist of the Year. CeCe Winans secured two awards, including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come” featuring Shirley Caesar, while Israel & New Breed, Unified Sound earned the Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year award for “Coritos de Fuego.” The Dove Awards are considered a significant benchmark of achievement within the contemporary Christian music industry, influencing radio play and artist visibility.

The evening featured surprise performances from Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, and Jon Batiste, alongside a special Opry 100 performance from Steven Curtis Chapman, Lady A, and Vince Gill. Host Tauren Wells opened the show with a powerful message, stating, “There is only one reason that we’re here tonight…without Jesus we have nothing.” Jelly Roll, accepting the Song of the Year award with Brandon Lake, emphasized the song’s message, saying, “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…They’ve heard Jesus, now show them Jesus.” You can find a complete list of winners on the Gospel Music Association website.

The broadcast of the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards aired exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app, with a simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, and will re-air on October 17th. Officials stated the re-airing will allow a wider audience to experience the celebration of faith and music.