As the Christian music industry prepares for its most prestigious celebration, the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards has been officially scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The ceremony, centered around the theme “Creation Sings,” will honor the year’s achievements in Christian music before being televised on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) three days later on October 10.
Christian music’s most celebrated night returns to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena as “Creation Sings” in October 2025.
Anticipation continues to build as renowned artists Lauren Daigle and Lecrae are expected to take the stage alongside other gospel luminaries. The star-studded lineup will showcase the varied spectrum of Christian music, from contemporary to traditional gospel.
Tauren Wells, returning for his third consecutive year as host, will pull double duty as both emcee and performer, continuing his established presence at the awards. His song “Take It All Back,” featuring Skillet and Davies, has earned a nomination in the Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year category with strong competition.
The nominees, set to be announced on July 30, 2025, will span numerous categories recognizing artists, songwriters, producers, and packaging designers. The event stays true to its mission of celebration through music that exposes and promotes the Gospel message. Notable nominees are expected to include Brandon Lake and Forrest Frank, while categories like Recorded Music Packaging of the Year will highlight creative contributions from artists such as Sarah Kroger and TobyMac.
Gospel Music Association’s executive producers Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt will oversee the production, with Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright serving as producers. Artists will be leveraging social media platforms to generate excitement among fans through behind-the-scenes content leading up to the awards ceremony. Performers are diligently preparing with extensive sound checks to ensure flawless technical execution during the live broadcast. The creative team includes scriptwriters JoAnna Illingworth and Shama Mrema, with Russell E. Hall directing the broadcast that will reach global audiences through TBN and the TBN+ app at 7:30 PM ET and 10 PM ET.
Fans keen to participate can immerse themselves in the Music City Fan Experience from October 5-8, which includes ceremony access, professional photos, group dinners, and a cruise on The General paddle wheel showboat.
The extensive event package offers transportation via chartered buses between venues.
The Dove Awards continue to serve as a cornerstone for the Christian music industry, providing visibility for established artists while supporting emerging talent through categories like New Artist of the Year, further cementing Nashville’s status as the heart of the Christian music world.
