The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 1, 2024, to a sold-out, live audience in Nashville, Tennessee. The show aired exclusively on TBN and TBN+ and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. Returning host, Tauren Wells led the all-star, high-energy, multi-genre night of music.
The night featured many big wins for artists that you hear on KTSY, including:
- Brandon Lake – Songwriter of the Year
- CeCe Winans – Artist of the Year
- Forrest Frank – New Artist of the Year
- Hulvey “Love Like That” – Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
- Crowder feat. TobyMac “Grave Robber” – Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year
- Forrest Frank “Good Day” – Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year
- Elevation Worship “Praise” – Worship Recorded Song of the Year
- KB His Glory Alone II – Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
- Brandon Lake Coat of Many Colors – Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
- Anne Wilson Rebel – Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year
- Phil Wickham I Believe – Worship Album of the Year
- CAIN Jesus Music – Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
- TobyMac “Faithfully” – Short Form Music Video of the Year
- Unsung Hero (for KING & COUNTRY – Feature Film of the Year
CeCe Winans opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King,” complete with a 24-person choir. Tauren Wells brought out surprise guests DAVIES. and Skillet’s John Cooper for his dynamic “Take It All Back” performance. Forrest Frank’s upbeat “No Longer Bound/GOOD DAY” mash-up featured members from The Choir Room. One of the night’s highlights, introduced by beloved worship leader Darlene Zschech, was the multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos, and Gabriel Guedes.
In a heavy yet worshipful moment, host Tauren Wells spoke about the many losses happening at home and around the world, including within the Christian and Gospel music community. Especially poignant, Wells played a personal audio text from Mandisa, who passed earlier this year, and reminded the audience how important it is to speak words of love to those around us. “I know so many of you in the room received messages, support, and love just like this,” Wells said. “[Mandisa] will be greatly missed along with all of the other friends and family we’ve lost this year and loved so deeply. It’s a sobering reminder that our words carry so much weight. Your words can be some of the most valuable things you can leave behind. Let’s all remember to reach out to those we love.” The moment was capped off with a stirring performance of “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)” from Natalie Grant.
In a surprise announcement, the GMA revealed the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in the heart of Music City. The announcement was delivered in a video featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Jekalyn Carr, Danny Gokey, and CeCe Winans carrying the Dove statuette from Lipscomb’s Allen Arena to Bridgestone Arena.
The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be live on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Music City Fan Experience tickets are on sale here and general public tickets are on sale here.
Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. Bill and Gloria are legendary songwriters behind songs like “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” As their names were called to receive the award, the audience leapt to its feet to celebrate the beloved couple. Accepting the award, Bill Gaither said, “I want to encourage all you young songwriters to keep writing your songs. There’s a hole in the heart of this country. There’s a whole lot of empty going on. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our song. There’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill.” The GMA was honored to award Bill and Gloria Gaither the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award.
To watch the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards on demand on TBN+: click here. Find a complete list of the winners here.