Jonathan Smith, Phil Wickham Win Big At 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards

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Tauren Wells hosting 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Photo: Jamie Gilliam

The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Oct. 1, and aired on TBN and TBN+ on Friday (Oct. 4). Jonathan Smith was the night’s top winner, taking home seven trophies including for Producer of the Year.

Cece Winans performs. Photo: Terry Wyatt

Phil Wickham also took home four Dove Awards, including Worship Album of the Year, while gospel icon CeCe Winans was another big winner of the night with three wins including Artist of the Year. “Holy Forever” by songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram and Wickham was named Song of the Year. Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore and Forrest Frank won two awards, with the latter receiving the New Artist of the Year honor.

Winans opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King” backed by a 24-person choir. Show host Tauren Wells brought out surprise guests Davies and Skillet’s John Cooper for a dynamic performance of  “Take It All Back.” Frank’s upbeat “No Longer Bound/Good Day” mash-up featured members from The Choir Room, and worship leader Darlene Zschech introduced a multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes.

Forrest Frank performs. Photo: Jamie Gilliam

Wells spoke poignantly about the many losses happening at home and around the world, including within the Christian and Gospel music community, and played a personal audio text from Mandisa, who passed earlier this year, reminding 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)” from Natalie Grant.

Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were also honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award during the performance-packed evening, which simulcast on SiriusXM The Message in addition to airing on TBN and TBN+.

In a surprise announcement video featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Jekalyn Carr and Danny Gokey, the GMA revealed the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 7, 2025.

Anne Wilson performs. Photo: Terry Wyatt

Bill & Gloria Gaither receive the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. Photo: Jamie Gilliam

Michael W. Smith accepts an award. Photo: Blue Amber Photography

Lorie Hollabaugh
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