The 55th annual GMA Dove Awards showcased the diversity of artists and songwriters in the modern Christian music scene.
Gospel singer Cece Winans won the coveted Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards ceremony. She also took home the award for Gospel Worship Album of the Year for More Than This as well for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year as a feature on Natalie Grant's "My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)."
Winans opened up the evening when she performed one of her hit singles "That's My King" to a sold-out crowd in the Allen Arena at Nashville’s Lipscomb University on October 1. The show aired on TBN on Friday, Oct. 4.
"I don’t know what’s going on, but I know it has nothing to do with me," said Winans during her acceptance speech. "God is amazing. I’m known for my music, but 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."
Brandon Lake took home three Dove Awards during the event, including Songwriter of the Year (Artist), Worship Recorded Song of the Year for "Praise," and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for his album Coat of Many Colors.
"The honor of my life to create these songs alongside my best friends," says Lake on Instagram.
Tauren Wells was the host of the awards for the second consecutive time.
"I’m encouraged by the diversity and beauty I see in this room," said Wells. "The diversity that the Dove Awards represent is beautiful. Though there are many genres, we are singing one song."
Forrest Frank also took home two awards for New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for "Good Day."
"I feel so undeserving because this is just all for Him," said Frank during his speech on stage. "For whatever reason He's chosen to give me some songs that have related to some people. I want to continue to give Jesus glory because my name will fade away, just like all of ours. But one name will remain, Jesus Christ."
There were 11 performances through the night, including CAIN with their song "Anymore." The two sisters sported orange attire with flowers, accenting their pregnant bellies.
Song of the Year went to Chris Tomlin and his team for "Holy Forever."
The Jackie Patillo award for distinguished leadership was awarded to Gospel music pioneers Bill and Gloria Gaither, which had the whole crowd on their feet.
For King & Country, which includes two brothers, Luke and Joel Smallbone, took home the Dove for Best Film of the Year with their biopic Unsung Hero. The night was extra special in that their parents got to come on stage with them to accept the award.
In a moment of honour, host Wells talked about the people who were not able to make it to the show and the legacy they are leaving.
"[Mandisa] will be greatly missed along with all of the other friends and family we’ve lost this year and loved so deeply," said Wells. "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."
After the moving words of tribute, Natalie Grant performed "My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)."
A full list of the award winners can be found here.