Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans, And Anne Wilson Winners Of The 2022 GMA Dove Awards

This year’s GMA Dove Awards ceremony, which aired on TBN on Friday night (Oct. 21) and was held on the campus of Nashville’s Lipscomb University, demonstrated the power of pairing a great song with the right message and vocalist.

CeCe Winans received two trophies, including the evening’s top honour, artist of the year, capping off a successful year in which Winans’ inspirational “Believe for It” spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and reached No. 7 on Christian Airplay. “Believe for It” was named song of the year at the GMA Dove Awards.

In accepting the song of the year award, Winans stated, “It is amazing what God will do when we come together, love each other, and stand for righteousness…

“I am expecting God to move in this industry in ways He has never moved before.”

Anne Wilson won her first two GMA Dove Awards for new artist of the year and pop/contemporary recorded song of the year for her breakthrough hit “My Jesus.” Wilson wisely and succinctly used the time during her performance of the song to share the story that inspired the song — the loss of her brother Jacob in 2017 — as photos of her late brother filled the screen behind her.

“I never imagined I’d be here tonight, standing on this stage, and getting to be amongst all of you incredible artists,” Wilson said as she accepted her new artist of the year award, before thanking her Capitol CMG label team, Storyhouse Collective management team, and album collaborators. She also expressed gratitude to her late brother Jacob. “You inspire me, and it is to honour Jacob that I do what I do.” Most importantly, I want to thank Jesus for his grace, mercy, and forgiveness… I’m also grateful to all of the artists in this category. You are changing people’s lives, and I am grateful.”

The evening began with Jackie Patillo, president of the Gospel Music Association, and Candice McQueen, president of Lipscomb University, welcoming the audience to celebrate the best music from the faith-based community over the past year under the theme “Sound of Heaven.” The evening then honoured artists from a variety of genres, including gospel, folk, country, bluegrass, soul, rap, pop, and Spanish-language.

Crowder opened the ceremony with the swampy rock song “Good God Almighty,” and later won rock/contemporary recorded song of the year for “Higher Power” with Hulvey. Jekalyn Carr delivered a soulful, commanding performance of “My Portion,” which later won the GMA Dove Award for traditional gospel recorded song of the year. DOE won contemporary gospel album of the year after performing a mash-up of “When I Pray” and “What I’m Waiting For” (Clarity). Gateway Worship Espaol delivered a stirring bilingual performance that blended worship, Latin, and rap, winning Spanish language recorded song of the year for “Danzando,” featuring Daniel Calveti, Becky Collazos, Christine D’Clario, Travy Joe, and Josh Morales.

During the evening, Maverick City Music received two awards: gospel worship recorded song of the year (“Breathe,” featuring Chandler Moore, DOE, and Jonathan McReynolds) and gospel worship album of the year with Tribl, for Tribl Nights Atlanta.

As the evening came to a close, Winans took the stage after being named the evening’s biggest honour, artist of the year. Instead of delivering a traditional acceptance speech, she sang a chorus of “To God Be The Glory” as the audience joined in, forming an impromptu a cappella choir.

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