The GMA Dove Awards, held on Friday, October 10, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, celebrated the biggest songs and artists of the year under the inspiring theme “Creation Sings.” This annual ceremony, broadcast on TBN, marked a shift from its previous venue at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena, offering a night filled with diverse musical expressions and profound faith-filled messages.

The evening commenced with a powerful opening performance of “World on Fire” by For King & Country, Taylor Hill, Africa Nashvlle, and Stage Ready, accompanied by dynamic flame effects dancing across the stage. Throughout the show, the stage witnessed a vibrant mix of musical styles, including rap/hip-hop, Southern Gospel, Spanish-language, pop, and country, reflecting the rich tapestry of “Music City.” Host Tauren Wells, alongside Gio, delivered an energetic rendition of “Let the Church Sing,” complete with a choir, pews, and a church podium, creating a deeply resonant atmosphere. Other notable performances included new artist of the year winner Leanna Crawford singing her hit “Still Waters (Psalm 23),” Josiah Queen presenting “Dusty Bibles” and “The Prodigal,” and Elevation Worship and Elevation Rhythm performing “Goodbye Yesterday” and “I Have Decided.” Fred Hammond also performed with The Choir Room.

A particularly charismatic and uplifting moment featured Israel & New Breed teaming with Unified Sound, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Alex Campos, Christine D’Clario, Josh and Waleska Morales, Ingrid Rosario, Janina Rosado, Lucia Parker, Nate Diaz, and Aaron Moses for a stirring performance of “Coritos de Fuego,” during which flags representing Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were prominently displayed. Carrie Underwood joined Ben Fuller for a rendition of their collaboration “If It Was Up to Me.” The ceremony also paid a special tribute to the Grand Ole Opry's centennial with an “Opry 100” celebration. Opry members Steven Curtis Chapman, Vince Gill, and Lady A highlighted the enduring connection between country music and faith through performances of Hank Williams Sr.’s “I Saw the Light,” Lady A’s “I Run to You,” Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” and the beloved country classic “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”

Forrest Frank was bestowed with the evening's highest honor, Artist of the Year. Frank, who had previously released a video stating he would not be attending, also secured awards for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for “YOUR WAY’S BETTER” and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for *CHILD OF GOD*. The collaboration “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll was a major winner, claiming Song of the Year, Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year, and Short Form Music Video. Brandon Lake’s success extended further, earning him a total of five awards, including Songwriter of the Year - Artist, and Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “I Know a Name,” performed with Elevation Worship and Chris Brown.

Jelly Roll delivered a poignant acceptance speech for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” reflecting on biblical themes from Matthew about caring for “the least” and emphasizing a widespread “revival” happening in the United States. He encouraged listeners, saying, “They’ve heard of Jesus, now go show them Jesus.” Hulvey, accepting the Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year for his project *Cry*, offered