The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards took place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, before a sold-out audience in Nashville, Tennessee, honoring the top achievements in Christian and Gospel music. Jonathan Smith emerged as the most awarded individual of the night, collecting seven wins, including the prestigious Producer of the Year title. Phil Wickham followed closely with four Doves, one of which was for Worship Album of the Year. Gospel legend CeCe Winans also enjoyed a triumphant evening, securing three awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year title.
The night’s highest honor for songwriting, Song of the Year, went to “Holy Forever,” celebrating the collective talents of Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, and Phil Wickham.
The evening kicked off with a soul-stirring performance by CeCe Winans, who electrified the stage with a rousing rendition of “That’s My King,” accompanied by a 24-member choir. The energy continued when Tauren Wells surprised the crowd, bringing out special guests DAVIES. and Skillet’s John Cooper for a powerful performance of “Take It All Back.” Forrest Frank’s upbeat mash-up of “No Longer Bound” and “GOOD DAY” added to the evening’s celebration, featuring members of The Choir Room.
A highlight of the night was a multilingual rendition of “Holy Forever,” introduced by worship leader Darlene Zschech and performed by Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos, and Gabriel Guedes, embodying the spirit of unity and worship.
Tauren Wells, who returned as host, used the moment to reflect on the year’s losses, including the passing of Christian music artist Mandisa. In a touching tribute, Wells played a personal voice message from Mandisa and reminded the audience of the importance of sharing words of love and support. “Mandisa will be greatly missed along with all the others we lost this year,” Wells said. His message was followed by Natalie Grant’s emotional performance of “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory),” creating one of the most poignant moments of the evening.
In a surprise announcement, the GMA revealed that the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be moving to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in 2025. The announcement was delivered via a special video featuring Christian music stars Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Jekalyn Carr, Danny Gokey, and CeCe Winans.
Several artists took home multiple awards, including Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram, who each won three. Forrest Frank, the breakout star of the evening, earned two awards, including New Artist of the Year.
The evening also paid tribute to the legendary Bill and Gloria Gaither, who were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award for their lasting contributions to Gospel music. The couple, best known for iconic songs such as “Because He Lives” and “He Touched Me,” received a standing ovation from the audience. Accepting the award, Bill Gaither encouraged young songwriters to continue their craft, noting, “There’s a hole in the heart of this country that only God can fill.”
The Dove Awards, which aired exclusively on TBN and TBN+, and simulcast on SiriusXM’s The Message, celebrated a vibrant cross-section of Christian and Gospel music with an unforgettable night of performances and honors.
Notable Award Winners:
- Artist of the Year: CeCe Winans
- New Artist of the Year: Forrest Frank
- Song of the Year: “Holy Forever”
- Worship Recorded Song of the Year: “Praise” – Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore)
- Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: His Glory Alone II – KB
- Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year: “Tantas Historias” – Christine D’Clario
- Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year: “God Problems” – Maverick City Music (ft. Naomie Raine, Chandler Moore)
- Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: COAT OF MANY COLORS – Brandon Lake
- Southern Gospel Album of the Year: Live In Amsterdam – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
- Feature Film of the Year: Unsung Hero – Directed by Richard Ramsey, Joel Smallbone; Produced by Joel Smallbone, Josh Walsh, Luke Smallbone, Justin Tolley
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