Like most award shows this year, the 51^st GMA Dove Awards looked a lot different this year for a variety of reasons mostly due to Covid-19 and social distancing issues. But show went on.

“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.”

This year’s presentation, held on October 30 and presented on TBN featured 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.

This Year’s Winners Are:

• SONG OF THE YEAR: “Way Maker” by Leeland
• ARTIST OF THE YEAR: For King & Country
• NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: We the Kingdom
• CCM ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Tauren Wells
• GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
• POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle
• CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “People” by Jonathan McReynolds
• WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship – “The Blessing (Live)” 
• RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Mood // Doom by Social Club Misfits
• ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Victorious by Skillet
• POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Citizens of Heaven by Tauren Wells
• CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Long Live Love by Kirk Franklin
• WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Awake by Hillsong United
• SHORT FORM VIDEO OF THE YEAR: God Only Knows by For King & Country and Dolly Parton
• INSPIRATIONAL FILM OF THE YEAR: I Still Believe

For the complete list of winners, visit the Dove Awards website.

For more complete coverage of music awards in general, I recommend Total Music Awards.