The 2023 GMA Dove Awards, Christian music's biggest night took place Friday evening and while people may have taken home the awards, it was Jesus getting the praise.
This year's event, which took place in Nashville, showcased the remarkable talents within the Christian music world. Brandon Lake appeared as the Artist of the Year, while Katy Nichole claimed the title of New Artist of the Year. The award for Song of the Year was granted to "Goodness of God," a powerful composition crafted by Ben Fielding, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson, and Brian Johnson.
Tauren Wells, the host, delivered an unexpected sermon that drew the audience's attention to the prevailing tensions in Israel, saying, “We stand with the people of God and as scripture instructs us, we pray for peace in Jerusalem. Now here’s the thing - we can’t just pray for peace and not understand and identify the Prince of Peace. This conflict will not end until Jesus is the Lord of Israel, and Jesus is the Lord of Palestine, and Jesus is the Lord of every nation and every tribe and every tongue. There is a day coming at which every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The world could be at war but the church is gonna be in worship. Because we don’t praise God depending upon our circumstances. We praise God depending upon His reputation.”
The wide spectrum of Christian music was clear with special recognitions such as "Good Morning Mercy" by Jason Crabb and Dylan Scott winning the Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year.
In the Spanish Language category, "Coritos (En Vivo)" by Miel San Marcos, Daniel Calveti, Marcos Witt, and Ingrid Rosario was celebrated. Lecrae's "Church Clothes 4" clinched the Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year, while TobyMac's "Life After Death" stood tall as the Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.
The diverse spectrum of Christian music shone through with awards in different categories, showcasing the depth of this genre. Tasha Cobbs Leonard was honoured with the Gospel Worship Album of the Year for "Hymns (Live)," and Elevation Worship's "LION: Live From The Loft" was declared the Worship Album of the Year.
The power of Christian music in feature films was acknowledged through the award for Feature Film of the Year, which went to "Jesus Revolution." The songwriting was celebrated with Brandon Lake and Jeff Pardo securing the Songwriter of the Year titles.
Full list of 2023 GMA Dove winners
Artist of the Year: Brandon Lake
New Artist of the Year: Katy Nichole
Song of the Year: "Goodness of God" written by Ben Fielding, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson and Brian Johnson
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year: "Good Morning Mercy," Jason Crabb and Dylan Scott
Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year: "Coritos (En Vivo)," Miel San Marcos, Daniel Calveti, Marcos Witt and Ingrid Rosario
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: "Church Clothes 4," Lecrae
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: "Life After Death," TobyMac
Gospel Worship Album of the Year: "Hymns (Live)," Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Worship Album of the Year: "LION: Live From The Loft," Elevation Worship
Feature Film of the Year: "Jesus Revolution"
Songwriter of the Year - Artist: Brandon Lake
Songwriter of the Year - Non Artist: Jeff Pardo
Producer of the Year: Jeff Pardo
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year: "Graves," KB and Brandon Lake
Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year: "Brother Jack," Gable Price and Friends
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year: "Brighter Days," Blessing Offor
Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year: "He's Been Faithful," Brooklyn Tabernacle, ft. TaRanda Greene
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year: "The Keepers," Karen Peck & New River
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year: "Your World," Jonathan McReynolds
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year: "It Is Well," Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year: "Impossible," Pastor Mike Jr., ft. James Fortune
Worship Recorded Song of the Year: "Gratitude," (radio version) Brandon Lake
Children’s Recorded Song Of The Year: "Sounding Joy," Ellie Holcomb
Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year: "Dominion: Day of Destiny," Skillet
Inspirational Album of the Year: "Turn Your Eyes, Vol II," Point of Grace
Southern Gospel Album of the Year: "Believe," The Hoppers
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year: "Light in the Canyon," Sandra McCracken
Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year: "Kingdom Book One (Deluxe)," Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin
Traditional Gospel Album of the Year: "Transitions (Live)," Brian Courtney Wilson
Spanish Language Album of the Year: "Tu Reino Está Aquí," Generación 12
Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year: "Christmas at Home," Michael W. Smith
Musical/Choral Collection of the Year: "A Night of Worship with The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir"
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year: "The Stories I Tell Myself," Matt Maher
Short Form Music Video of the Year (Concept): "Thank God I Do," Lauren Daigle
Short Form Music Video of the Year (Performance): "The Goodness," TobyMac and Blessing Offor
Long Form Video of the Year: "Come Up Here," Bethel Music
Television Series of the Year: "The Chosen"