Everything You Need to Know About the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards

Since 1969, the Dove Awards have honored the artists, songwriters, and producers who shape the soundtrack of Christian life, from worship songs and gospel choirs to hip-hop and bluegrass.

Let’s explore what the Dove Awards are, why they matter to Christians, how they’re different from other awards shows, and how you can watch them from the comfort of your home with a platform like the TBN+ app.

What Are the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards?

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards are the premier awards show recognizing outstanding achievement in Christian and gospel music. Some might say that the Dove Awards are like the Grammys of the Christian music world!

Each year, the event brings together top artists across genres, including contemporary Christian, southern gospel, worship, rap/hip-hop, rock, inspirational, and even Spanish language gospels, to celebrate how music can glorify God and encourage people in their faith.

Past winners have included names like:

• CeCe Winans
• Lauren Daigle
• TobyMac
• for KING & COUNTRY
• Casting Crowns
• Kirk Franklin
• Maverick City Music
• And many more!

The Dove Awards honor the spiritual and creative impact of gospel music around the world.

Why the Dove Awards Matter to Christians

The Gospel Music Association Dove Awards are a reminder that music rooted in faith still matters deeply. For many Christians, these songs and artists shape worship, guide personal devotion, and connect generations through shared beliefs.

The Dove Awards shine a light on those who faithfully create songs that bring people closer to God. And beyond the awards themselves, the event is also a powerful night of live performances, heartfelt speeches, and worship moments that encourage believers and celebrate Christian unity.

Whether you're watching with your family, your youth group, or on your own, the Dove Awards are a celebration of creativity and conviction.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Dove Awards

The 55th Annual Dove Awards are set to take place in October 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee and they promise an incredible evening of worship, performances, and celebration of Christian music’s biggest names.

This year, Tauren Wells is the primary host (and a performer). Other announced performances include Cece Winans, For King + Country, Lauren Daigle, and more. You can view the full list of performers on the Dove Awards website.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait until October to experience the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.

Right now, you can stream the 2024 Dove Awards on the TBN+ app. Whether you missed the broadcast or want to relive some of your favorite performances, the TBN+ app makes it easy to watch whenever and wherever works for you. It’s a great way to get caught up before the next show airs!

Categories and Genres You’ll See

One of the most exciting things about the Dove Awards is the range of genres and categories. Some of the key categories include:

• Artist of the Year
• New Artist of the Year
• Song of the Year
• Worship Recorded Song of the Year
• Southern Gospel Album of the Year
• Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year
• Spanish Language Album of the Year
• Inspirational Film of the Year

This wide variety ensures that whether you're into high-energy worship anthems, soulful gospel, or thought-provoking Christian hip-hop, there’s something for everyone.

The 2025 nominees can be viewed here on the official website.

Memorable Moments Over the Years

The Dove Awards have been home to many unforgettable moments. Here are some of our favorites!

• Lauren Daigle’s song “You Say” won Song of the Year in 2019 and went on to become a multi-platinum, chart-topping hit. Lauren’s acceptance speech was emotional and heart-warming.
• The 2024 performance of “Holy Forever (Santo Por Siempre)” by Miel San Marcos, Jenn & Brian Johnson, and Gabriel Guedes was a breathtaking moment of multicultural worship. With lyrics in both Spanish and English, this performance united voices and hearts in praise.
• Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake’s 2023 performance of “This Is Our God” and “Gratitude” brought the room to life with powerful vocals and an atmosphere of genuine worship. Their back-to-back songs became a highlight of the night and captured the heart of the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.

How Are The Dove Awards Winners Chosen?

Unlike fan-voted shows like the K-LOVE Fan Awards, the Dove Awards are decided by the voting members of the Gospel Music Association, which includes artists, songwriters, producers, and other industry professionals.

How to Watch the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards

You don’t need a front-row seat in Nashville to experience the Dove Awards. Thanks to platforms like TBN and the TBN+ app, it’s easier than ever to tune in from wherever you are.

The TBN+ app offers free streaming of many top Christian events, including the Dove Awards. You can watch the full broadcast, behind-the-scenes content, and performances all on-demand.

If you can’t watch the awards live, don’t worry. With the TBN+ app, you can stream the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards whenever it works for you, so you never miss a moment of inspiration.

The Gospel Music Association Dove Awards are a celebration of how music can carry the message of the Gospel across the globe. Watching the Dove Awards is a joyful way to connect with artists who are making a difference and with platforms like the TBN+ app, watching them is simple, free, and works with your schedule. Sign up today!

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