Doves Take Flight: 57th Annual Gospel Music Awards Nominees Soar with Star Power and Fresh Faces

Tauren Wells Returns as Host for Fourth Consecutive Year as Phil Wickham Dominates with Nine Nods

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 29, 2026) — The heartbeat of Christian music grew louder today as the Gospel Music Association unveiled the nominees for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, promising an evening of transcendent performances, fierce competition, and a celebration of faith that transcends the stage.

When the curtain rises on October 6 at Nashville’s iconic Bridgestone Arena, all eyes will be on the night’s undisputed frontrunner: Phil Wickham, who leads all male artists with a staggering nine nominations, proving once again why he remains one of Christian music’s most compelling voices. But he’ll have to share the spotlight—and the trophies—with gospel royalty CeCe Winans, who commands seven nominations as the top female artist of the year.

The two legends are joined in the prestigious Artist of the Year category by a powerhouse lineup: Brandon Lake, Josiah Queen, and Lauren Daigle—a five-way showdown that reads like a who’s who of contemporary worship and gospel excellence.

“Together For One”: A Theme Rooted in Unity

This year’s celebration carries a profound message, anchored in Colossians 3:14: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” The theme, “Together For One,” reflects the GMA’s unwavering commitment to bringing together the diverse threads of Christian and Gospel music into a single tapestry of worship.

“Every year, the Dove Awards bring the diverse voices of the Christian music community together to celebrate the God we all serve,” said Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association. “This year’s class of nominees embodies that spirit, creating life-changing music that continues to unite people across the globe.”

Tauren Wells: The Host with the Most

Making history with his fourth consecutive year as host—one of the longest hosting runs in the show’s storied 57-year history—eight-time Dove Award winner Tauren Wells isn’t just returning to the stage; he’s helping build it. This year, Wells also serves as an Executive Producer, marking a deepening involvement with the ceremony that has become a cornerstone of the Christian music calendar.

“The Dove Awards are more than just an awards show,” Wells shared with palpable emotion. “The promise of scripture is if two or three people come together, Jesus is in our midst. We know this isn’t about trophies; it’s about elevating the name of Jesus and celebrating those who have done that very well this year. I’m so grateful to be back hosting and I cannot wait to get back on that stage—it’s truly an honor.”

The multi-talented artist is also a two-time nominee this year and will take the stage as a performer, ensuring his presence will be felt both behind the microphone and behind the scenes.

Behind the Music: The Architects of Sound

While the artists command the spotlight, the creative forces shaping the year’s most impactful records earned deep recognition. Jonathan Smith leads all nominees with an astonishing 14 nominations, followed closely by Jacob Sooter with 12 and Steven Furtick with 11. Their fingerprints are everywhere—threading through the year’s most nominated songs and albums, including heavy hitters like “What An Awesome God,” “God I’m Just Grateful,” and “I Know A Name.”

Meanwhile, a new generation is storming the gates. The New Artist of the Year category features some of the genre’s fastest-rising voices: bodie, Emerson Day, Jamie MacDonald, Megan Woods, and SEU Worship—each representing a fresh sound and a bold future for Christian music.

Song of the Year: A Battle of Anthems

Perhaps the most anticipated category, Song of the Year Presented by MultiTracks.com, features an eclectic and powerful slate of nominees, including:

• “Can’t Steal My Joy” — Josiah Queen, Brandon Lake, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter

• “Come Jesus Come” — Hank Bentley, Bryan Fowler, Stephen McWhirter, Tara McWhirter

• “Dusty Bibles” — Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, John Michael Howell

• “God I’m Just Grateful” — Chandler Moore, Pat Barrett, Steven Furtick, and others

• “Homesick For Heaven” — Phil Wickham, Jonathan Smith

• “I Know A Name” — Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley

• “Left It In The River” — Jamie MacDonald, Jonathan Gamble, Colby Wedgeworth

• “Mighty Name Of Jesus” — Hope Darst, Jacob Sooter, Lauren Sloat

• “No Fear” — Jon Reddick, Matthew West, Jeff Pardo

• “What An Awesome God” — Phil Wickham, Jonathan Smith, Rich Mullins

Each song tells a story of redemption, hope, and unwavering faith—but only one will take home the night’s most coveted trophy.

Beyond the Stage: The Full Dove Experience

The 57th Annual Dove Awards isn’t just a night—it’s a movement. The Dove Awards Music City Fan Experience returns, offering fans an immersive weekend built around the music they love. Packages include:

• Premium seating at the Night of Worship at the historic Ryman Auditorium, featuring Elevation Worship

• The New Artist of the Year Showcase, spotlighting the category’s five nominees

• The Drop: exclusive previews from artists and creators in faith-based entertainment

• A riverboat lunch cruise with intimate artist and songwriter performances

• A three-night stay at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown

• Round-trip transportation and premium seating for the Dove Awards themselves

“This is more than an awards show—it’s a community coming together to celebrate the God we love through the music He’s inspired,” one industry insider noted.

How to Watch and Listen

The show will broadcast exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ App on Friday, October 9 at 7:30 PM and 10 PM ET, with a rebroadcast on Friday, October 16 at the same times. Fans can also tune in via SiriusXM’s The Message (Channel 65) during the October 9 simulcast.

A Legacy of Excellence

Since 1964, the Gospel Music Association has existed to expose, promote, and celebrate the Gospel through music—believing a song can carry that message as far and as wide as any sermon. Now in its 57th year, the Dove Awards continue to honor the legacy of those who paved the way while championing the next generation of creators carrying the Gospel forward.

This year’s nominees were selected by GMA Professional Members from more than 2,800 submitted entries, with final-round voting running August 7-14, 2026.

Complete nominee lists, ticket information, Fan Experience packages, and press credential applications are available at doveawards.com.