The 2025 GMA Dove Awards lit up Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with unforgettable performances, emotional speeches, and powerful moments of faith. Airing Friday night (Oct. 10) on TBN, the annual celebration honored some of the biggest names in Christian and gospel music — and it was a night filled with inspiration, passion, and praise.
Forrest Frank Wins Big
Forrest Frank emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home Artist of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for “Your Way’s Better,” and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Child of God.
Although Frank wasn’t present at the ceremony — he had previously announced he would not attend — his name echoed throughout the arena as one of the standout artists of 2025.
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” Dominates the Night
The collaboration between Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll stole the show. Their heartfelt anthem “Hard Fought Hallelujah” took home multiple honors, including Song of the Year, Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year, and Short Form Music Video of the Year.
As they accepted the award, Jelly Roll delivered one of the most emotional speeches of the evening:
“I ain’t been this nervous since I went to criminal court, y’all,” he said. “This is a real thing for me… There’s a revival happening in the United States of America. People have heard of Jesus — now go show them Jesus.”
Brandon Lake’s incredible year continued as he also received Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “I Know a Name” with Elevation Worship and Chris Brown.
A Night of Soul-Stirring Performances
With the theme “Creation Sings,” the Dove Awards opened with a fiery performance of “World on Fire” by For King & Country, Taylor Hill, and Africa Nashville. The evening showcased an array of genres — from rap and country to gospel and pop — united by a shared message of faith.
Leanna Crawford, who won New Artist of the Year, performed her moving hit “Still Waters (Psalm 23),” captivating the audience.
Other standout moments included Josiah Queen with “Dusty Bibles” and “The Prodigal,”
and CeCe Winans performing her breathtaking rendition of “Come Jesus Come” alongside Shirley Caesar.
Carrie Underwood and Ben Fuller teamed up for “If It Was Up to Me,” while country legends Vince Gill, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Lady A honored the Grand Ole Opry’s centennial with classic faith-filled songs like “I Saw the Light” and “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”
Powerful Messages and Memorable Moments
CeCe Winans, who earned two awards including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year, reminded the audience of the deeper purpose behind the music:
“Let’s remember why we do what we do,” she said. “So God would be glorified, and as many souls as possible would come to know who Jesus is.”
Rap artist Hulvey took home Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year for Cry, giving all glory to God:
“Glory to the Father… thank you, GMA, for showing the world that we can love Him through our music.”
The grand finale saw Jon Batiste joining Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll for a rain-soaked performance of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” — an electrifying close to an unforgettable night.
Highlights of the Winners
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Artist of the Year: Forrest Frank
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Song of the Year: “Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll
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New Artist of the Year: Leanna Crawford
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Worship Recorded Song of the Year: “I Know a Name” – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake
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Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year: “Your Way’s Better” – Forrest Frank
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Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year: “Come Jesus Come” – CeCe Winans & Shirley Caesar
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Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year: Cry – Hulvey
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Feature Film of the Year: The King of Kings
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Television Series of the Year: The Chosen
The 2025 Dove Awards were a testament to how music continues to connect, inspire, and uplift people around the world — blending genres, generations, and hearts under one message: hope through faith.
🎧 Want to feel the spirit of this year’s winners?
Download “Your Way’s Better” and “Hard Fought Hallelujah” as your ringtones today and carry their inspiring message wherever you go — exclusively at ringtonesb.com.
