GMA Dove Award Winners: Phil Wickham, Josiah Queen, Brandon Lake, Tasha Cobbs Leonard
The music world paused on Friday night as the Christian and Gospel communities gathered for the 57th annual GMA Dove Awards. Hosted by singer-songwriter Tauren Wells for the fourth consecutive year, the ceremony celebrated the year’s most impactful artists, songs, and albums, reminding everyone that faith is often the deepest inspiration behind creative work.
The event, held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, was more than just an awards show; it was a celebration of how music serves as a vehicle for spiritual reflection. The night featured a powerful lineup of talent, recognizing achievements across contemporary music, worship, and gospel genres.
Among the celebrated winners were Phil Wickham, who swept the honors, being named Artist of the Year, Worship Album of the Year for his album Song of the Saints, and Children’s Recorded Song of the Year for his work on “Follow The Light.” Wickham reflected on his journey, noting that the joy of writing songs and sharing them felt like a profound honor, emphasizing that he does not take the opportunity to write for Jesus for granted.
Josiah Queen also received multiple accolades, including Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for “Dusty Bibles,” along with recognition for his album Mt. Zion. Queen shared that his journey through faith had profoundly shaped his artistic vision, underscoring that his faith provided the strength to create his music.
Brandon Lake and Lainey Wilson were also recognized for their collaborative work, earning honors for their album King of Hearts and their song “The Jesus I Know Now.” Their acceptance speech highlighted the importance of connection, noting that they are not just singers and songwriters, but “connectors,” a sentiment echoed by those who believe their faith guides their path.
The impact of the awards extended across the spectrum of gospel music. Tasha Cobbs Leonard won the Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for her project Tasha, demonstrating the depth and breadth of gospel artistry. She reflected on her work, noting that her experiences provided a unique view of God’s goodness and power.
Other winners showcased the diverse range of musical talent. Jamie MacDonald was honored as New Artist of the Year, reflecting on how finding purpose through faith guided his path. Sarai Rivera received recognition for her Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year for “Tu Voz,” sharing a powerful testimony that faith makes one’s voice echo louder than fear and lies.
The evening also featured unforgettable performances that bridged musical genres and generations. Amy Grant and Natalie Grant honored the late Dolly Parton, delivering a moving tribute that showcased how faith is woven into the fabric of art. Their joint performance of Dolly Parton’s classics brought an incredible sense of unity, demonstrating that music can transcend boundaries.
The show concluded with powerful performances by artists like Tye Tribbett, and a heartfelt tribute to influential figures, including the honoring of Richard Smallwood and the recognition of faith-based community impact, reminding the audience that music truly is a powerful force for connection and faith.
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