The Gospel Music Association today announced the nominees for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Brandon Lake tops the list with a remarkable nine nominations, underscoring his dynamic impact across multiple genres and projects.
Artist of the Year contenders include Brandon Lake alongside major names such as CeCe Winans, Forrest Frank, Josiah Queen, Lauren Daigle, and Phil Wickham. The announcement featured surprise FaceTime calls to select nominees via the GMA Dove Awards Instagram account from past winners including CAIN and Jekalyn Carr.
This year’s awards showcase a bold and diverse wave of first-time nominees, pointing to the future of Christian and Gospel music. First-time artist nominees include Abbie Gamboa, Leanna Crawford, Patrick Mayberry, Strings and Heart, Caleb Gordon, and many more.
The 56th Annual Dove Awards will take place on October 7, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The televised broadcast airs October 10 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET on TBN and the TBN+ App, with a simulcast on SiriusXM The Message; a rebroadcast is scheduled for October 17 at the same times.
Under the theme “Creation Sings,” host Tauren Wells reflects on worship as an expression of the divine harmony woven throughout creation. GMA President Jackie Patillo emphasizes gratitude for the “incredible gifts of our community of artists, songwriters, producers and creatives” and invites all to join the celebration in Nashville this October.
Major categories feature standout entries:
- Song of the Year includes “Counting My Blessings” (Seph Schlueter), “Hard Fought Hallelujah” (Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll), “That’s Who I Praise” (Brandon Lake), plus “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” (Leanna Crawford), “The Prodigal” (Josiah Queen) and others.
- Worship Recorded Song of the Year boasts “I Know A Name” (Elevation Worship with Brandon Lake), “At The Altar” (ELEVATION RHYTHM & Abbie Gamboa), “What A God (Live)” (SEU Worship), and more.
- Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year recognizes tracks including “That’s Who I Praise” and “Still Waters (Psalm 23)”.
Final voting runs August 7–14, 2025. For the full nominee list and to apply for press credentials, visit doveawards.com.
Kindly FOLLOW and LIKE our PAGES on your favourite Social Media
