On Tuesday, Oct. 1st, the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out in front of a sold-out, live audience in Nashville, Tennessee. An encore performance will air on TBN and TBN+ tonight Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 8 pm and 10 pm ET and will also livestream on the TBN YouTube channel at 8pm ET on the 11th.
The annual award show, hosted by Tauren Wells, is considered the highlight of the year in gospel music, which includes a variety of sounds and genres. During the event, the association also announced a surprise change of venue for the 56^th annual awards in 2025.

Producer Jonathan Smith (“Coat of Many Colors” by Brandon Lake, “Rebel” by Anne Wilson, “I Believe” by Phil Wickham) was most awarded with seven wins including Producer of the Year. Wickham took home four Doves including Worship Album of the Year. Gospel music icon CeCe Winans was another big winner of the night with three total wins including Artist of the Year. Song of the Year went to “Holy Forever,” honoring songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram and Phil Wickham. Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram each received three awards and Forrest Frank, who won two awards, took home New Artist of the Year. The show aired tonight, Friday, October 4th, exclusively on TBN and TBN+ and simulcast on SiriusXM’s The Message. Returning host, Tauren Wells led the all-star, high-energy, multi-genre night of music.

During her win, Winans added perspective to the awards she has received, thanking God for his faithfulness throughout her life.

“I’m known for my music all over the world,” she said. “People know me for my music. God only knows me for my relationship with Him. He only knows us according to the way we know Him. And so all of us here tonight – the artists I was in the category with, I came here to cheer them on tonight. I didn’t think this was going to happen – but God is faithful. All my life He’s been faithful. All my life He’s been good. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

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)” by 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.

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.

The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, and Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager. The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards are presented in partnership with Cantinas Arts Foundation, whose mission is to support artists who share their talent and faith through Arts and Media.

An encore performance will air on TBN and TBN+ on Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 8 pm and 10 pm ET and will also livestream on the TBN YouTube channel at 8pm ET on the 11th. Watch the announcement for next year’s show below.

DEWAYNE HAMBY is a communications specialist and longtime journalist covering faith-based music, entertainment, books, and the retail industry. He is the author of the book “Gratitude Adjustment.” Connect with him at on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.