Like most award shows this year, the 51st GMA Dove Awards will look a lot different this year for a variety of reasons. Sure, some changes have been made due to Covid-19 and social distancing issues, but some creative changes have been made as well.
“In an effort to capture both the trials and triumphs of 2020, the GMA is putting together a new kind of Dove Awards; one that will inspire through both music and story,” says the Gospel Music Association in a press release for the event. “Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s show will not be performed to a live audience. Instead, through a variety of pre-recorded performances, producer Paul Wright plans to incorporate a variety of new elements to create more of a cinematic approach than previous shows.”
“During this unprecedented time, what the GMA team is pulling together is absolutely incredible,” says singer Natalie Grant. “They’re crafting something brand new that will uplift and inspire you and your family in a fresh way. It’s the Dove Awards like you’ve never experienced them before, and you won’t want to miss it!”
Then there is the list of nominees. Who would think that controversial Kanye West and disco legend Gloria Gaynor would be up for awards this year? Earlier this year Gaynor won her first Grammy Award since 1980 for Best Roots Gospel Album. She has been nominated for two Dove awards this year. West received no Grammy nominations for his album, Jesus is King, but the presidential candidate is up for three awards. These two singers join We The Kingdom and Unspoken as first-time nominees going up against the likes of Zach Williams and For King & Country who lead the artist nominations with five nominations each.
This year’s presentation will feature performances by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, For King & Country, Lecrae, Tony Williams, Apollo LTD, Jonathan McReynolds, Leeland, Mandisa, Sinach, Maverick City Choir, We The Kingdom, Tauren Wells, Christine D’Clario, Jenn Johnson, Jekalyn Carr, Jeremy Camp, Travis Greene, Pastor Mike Jr., The Sound and Switch.
The GMA Dove Awards will be presented on Friday, October 30 at 8 pm EST / 7 pm CST on TBN.
This Year’s Nominees Are:
SONG OF THE YEAR
- “Almost Home” (MercyMe)
- “Burn The Ships” (For King & Country)
- “Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus) (Le’Andria Johnson)
- “Dead Man Walking” (Jeremy Camp)
- “Holy Water” (We the Kingdom)
- “King of Kings” (Hillsong Worship)
- “Love Theory” (Kirk Franklin)
- “Nobody” (Casting Crowns)
- “Rescue” (Lauren Daigle)
- “Rescue Story” (Zach Williams)
- “See A Victory” (Elevation Worship)
- “The God Who Stays” (Mathew West)
- “Way Maker” (Leeland)
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
- For King & Country
- Hillsong Worship
- Lauren Daigle
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard
- Zach Williams
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
- Chris Renzema
- Cochren & Co.
- Elle Limebear
- Switch
- We The Kingdom
CCM ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
- For King & Country
- Hillsong United
- Tauren Wells
- TobyMac
- Zach Williams
- Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
- Gaither Vocal Band
GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
- Jekalyn Carr
- Jonathan McReynolds
- Kirk Franklin
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard Travis Greene
POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR:
- “Nobody” – Casting Crowns
- “Burn The Ships” – For King & Country
- “Dead Man Walking” – Jeremy Camp
- “Rescue” – Lauren Daigle
- “Holy Water” – We The Kingdom
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR:
- “Blessings on Blessings” – Anthony Brown & group therAPy
- “Won’t Be Moved” – Gene Moore
- “People” – Jonathan McReynolds
- “B!g” – Pastor Mike Jr.
- “Truly Amazing God” – Travis Greene
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR:
- “Blessings on Blessings” – Anthony Brown & group therAPy
- “Won’t Be Moved” – Gene Moore
- “People” – Jonathan McReynolds
- “B!g” – Pastor Mike Jr.
- “Truly Amazing God” – Travis Greene
WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR:
- “King of Kings” – Hillsong Worship
- “Goodness of God” – Jenn Johnson
- “The Blessing” (Live) – Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship
- “Way Maker” – Leeland
- “Great Things” – Phil Wickham
RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
- Not By Chance – Aaron Cole
- Work in Progress – Andy Mineo
- Heathen – Gawvi
- Jesus Is King – Kanye West
- Mood // Doom – Social Club Misfits
ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
- Out of Body – Apollo LTD
- War – Demon Hunter
- Love Letter – Disciple
- Declaration – Red
- Victorious – Skillet
POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
- The Story’s Not Over – Jeremy Camp
- Citizens of Heaven – Tauren Wells
- Reason – Unspoken
- Live At The Wheelhouse – We The Kingdom
- Rescue Story – Zach Williams
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
- 2econd Wind: Ready – Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy
- Time – Deitrick Haddon
- People – Jonathan McReynolds
- Kierra – Kierra Sheard
- Long Live Love – Kirk Franklin
WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
- Peace – Bethel Music
- At Midnight – Elevation Worship
- People – Hillsong United
- Awake – Hillsong United
- Alive & Breathing – Matt Maher
SHORT FORM VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
- Citizen of Heaven – Tauren Wells
- God Only Knows – For King & County, Dolly Parton
- Reason – Unspoken
- Trilogy – Silent Planet
- Wanted – Danny Gokey
INSPIRATIONAL FILM OF THE YEAR:
- A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
- Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable
- I Still Believe
- Overcomer
- The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel
For the complete list of nominees, visit the Dove Awards website.
Writer of Pop Culture 
Leave a Reply