As she celebrates her 25-year career, Curb Records recording artist Natalie Grant received her ninth career GMA Dove Award for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory) feat. CeCe Winans” at last week’s 55^th annual GMA Dove Awards. Grant also powerfully performed the winning song during the show’s in memoriam segment.

“I’m so honored and grateful for this recognition, which was extra special because I got to record ‘My Tribute’ with one of my heroes, CeCe Winans,” shares Grant. “I love this genre so much and am so grateful for every member of our community who gives of their time and talent to bring true hope through the power of song.”

On the 7-year anniversary of being thyroid cancer free, Grant will sing the National Anthem in her hometown during this week’s Thursday Night Football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field in Seattle, WA. Grant will also be hitting the road with Danny Gokey this holiday season for the 9^th annual “Celebrate Christmas” tour – as the tour kicks off Dec. 5.

Grant recently earned her second Top 10 at AC radio with Dolly Parton collaboration, “Step By Step” off her full-length project, Seasons. The single was the No. 1 most-added song of the week when it debuted at No. 39 on the AC chart upon impact. Her last single at AC Radio, “You Will Be Found,” peaked at #9 earlier this year and became her highest-charting single to date at mainstream radio, remaining in the Top 10 for four weeks. The single also peaked inside the Top 10 on all Mediabase and Billboard Christian Airplay charts as well as reached #3 on the Mediabase Audience chart in 2023.

Chart-topping artist Joseph Habedank has won his 4th GMA Dove Award, earning the title of Inspirational Album of the Year for his 2024 release, autobiography.  The singer/songwriter also delivered a dynamic performance of his hit single, ‘tell the devil’ during the award ceremony held at Allen Arena in Nashville, TN and broadcast on TBN.

The award-winning album, produced by Nick Schwarz (Cain, Drew Baldridge), Bernie Herms (Josh Groban, Natalie Grant) and David Leonard (Matthew West, MercyMe), is a sequenced musical journey through Habedank’s life.

The project embodies themes of faithfulness and grace through every mountain and valley of life; transforming incredibly personal events into stories that connect with listeners from every background and walk of life.  Habedank’s soul-stirring vocals paired with songs from a stellar line up of co-writers such as Tony Wood, Michael Farren, Mitch Wong, and Cain, among others, birthed an album that has truly made its mark on Christian music.

“I’ve found when you’re real, when you’re honest with people, and when you tell your own story, somehow people relate with it,” Joseph Habedank shared in an interview on the GMA Dove Awards red carpet. “One of the biggest thing I want out of this record, is I want people to see Jesus in my story.  Even though it’s my story, it’s really His story and what He’s done in my life.  This album is very personal, obviously, but really special to me and it’s been really cool to watch how it resonates with other people.”

This year’s award Dove Award win marks the fourth time the honor has been bestowed on Habedank as a soloist, joining Change is Coming and Resurrection, which were both previously named Southern Gospel Album of the Year, as well as being named the 2020 Southern Gospel Artist of the Year.

The autobiography Fall Tour 2024 is currently in full swing, making stops in 30 cities across 13 states including Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Georgia and many more!

19x Stellar Award Winner, Pastor Mike Jr., (affectionately known as PMJ) announces the signing of a record-breaking distribution and publishing deal finalizing a partnership between Capitol CMG’s Re:Think and Rock City Media Group. The unique partnership continues Pastor Mike Jr’s relationship with the Capitol CMG family, following 2024’s virally successful, I GOT IT EP.

Coming off the heels of a sold-out 30 city domestic tour, I GOT AWAY Tour, in partnership with McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, this announcement will further Pastor Mike Jr’s mission to elevate the genre of Christian and Gospel music, and provide a platform for new artists.

“Our partnership with  Capitol CMG’s Re:Think has been incredibly successful and we look forward to continuing to blaze a trail for future artists to follow. I am excited to work with the incredible team Jeff Gunkel has formed,” shares Pastor Mike Jr., founder of Rock City Media Group.

Cole Linebarger, Senior Marketing Director of Universal Music Group shares, “PMJ is a truly inspiring artist and creative visionary who has blazed an incredible trail. We are very excited to partner with him and the Rock City Media Group team moving forward.”

Pastor Mike Jr.’s 2023 EP, WINNING, boasts 162M streams to date; 105M short form video views; 562K short form video creations and three number one singles, “Impossible,” “Amazing,” and “Windows.”

Dubbed “The New King of Urban Inspiration,” Pastor Mike Jr. has scored five consecutive number-one singles (“B!G,” “I Got It,” “Amazing,” “Impossible” and “Windows”) on Billboard’s National Gospel Airplay chart. His breakout single “B!G” was recognized as Billboard’s #1 Gospel Airplay Song of  2020. He serves as the Senior Pastor of Rock City Church in Birmingham, AL.

The Provident Entertainment family of artists, labels, songwriters, and publishers were named winners in 20 categories for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Provident Entertainment received more than 125 nominations across 33 categories for the awards. The Dove Awards were held October 1st at the Allen Arena in Nashville, TN, and aired on TBN and TBN+, and simulcasted on SiriusXM The Message.

Provident Entertainment’s winners are across several entities – RCA Inspiration, Reunion Records, Essential Records, Essential Worship, Provident Distribution, and Essential Music Publishing. Provident’s winners nabbed the top categories “Song of the Year,” “Songwriter of the Year” both artist and non-artist and “Producer of the Year.” Essential Music Publishing’s Jonathan Smith was the most-awarded winner this year with seven Dove Awards, and both Jason Ingram and Brandon Lake received three Dove Awards each.

“The team at Provident Entertainment is incredibly proud of our Dove Award winners,” says Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “Each recognition highlights their contribution to the genre and the impact of their songs, music, art, and shows around the world.”

Song of the Year

“Holy Forever”
(Writers) Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham, (Publishers) Capitol CMG Paragon, S.D.G. Publishing, Bethel Music Publishing, Brian And Jenn Publishing, Simply Global Songs, Phil Wickham Music, Be Essential Songs, My Magnolia Music

Songwriter of the Year – Artist
Brandon Lake

Songwriter of the Year – Non-Artist
Jason Ingram

Producer of the Year
Jonathan Smith

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year

“Lookin’ For You”
Zach Williams (ft. Dolly Parton)
(Writers) Zach Williams, Jonathan Smith, Tony Wood

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

“God Problems”
Maverick City Music (ft. Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore)
(Writers) Naomi Raine, Chris Davenport, Daniel Bashta, Ryan Ellis

Worship Recorded Song of the Year

“Praise”
Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore)
(Writers) Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick, Pat Barrett, Cody Carnes

Children’s Recorded Song of The Year

“Holy Forever”
Yancy
(Writers) Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson, Phil Wickham

Christmas Recorded Song of the Year

“Manger Throne”
Phil Wickham
(Writers) Phil Wickham, Jonathan Smith, Tony Wood

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year

His Glory Alone II
KB
(Producers) KB, WEARETHEGOOD, Scootie Wop, Cardec Drums, Quinten Coblentz, Maurice Fonville, Dayshawn Mojico, Carvello, Tbabz

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year

COAT OF MANY COLORS
Brandon Lake
(Producers) Jonathan Smith, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley, Micah Nichols, Joe Laporta

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

Live In Amsterdam
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
(Producers) Wayne Haun, Ernie Haase

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year

REBEL

Anne Wilson
(Producers) Jeff Pardo, Jonathan Smith, Zach Kale

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year

Father’s Day
Kirk Franklin
(Producers) Kirk Franklin, KP, Maxwell Stark, Devin Morrison, Ron Hill, JP, D Bizzy, Chandler Moore

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year

No Failure
Melvin Crispell III
(Producer) Donatniel Jamel Kimbrough

Worship Album of the Year

I Believe
Phil Wickham
(Producer) Jonathan Smith

Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year

Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years
Casting Crowns
(Producers) Jonathan Smith, Jeff Pardo, Josh Auer, Jerad Atherton, CHPTRS, Mark Miller, Keith Smith, Keith Thomas, Brad King, David Leonard, AJ Pruis, Jason Hoard, Brent Milligan, Chad Judd, Kuk Harrell, Chuck Butler, Paul Moak, Bernie Herms, Jeremy Redmon

Inspirational Album of the Year

Joseph Habedank

autobiography

(Producers) David Leonard, Nick Schwarz, Bernie Herms

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year

Jesus Music
**CAIN
(Art Directors) Rachel Mulcahy, Tim Parker, (Graphic Artists) Madison Cain Johnson, Taylor Cain Matz, Tim Parker, (Photographers) Maddox Fowler, Rachel Mulcahy

Television Series of the Year

Chasing CAIN
(Director/ Producer) Daric Gates, (Producer) Alexander J. Wysocki

BEC Recordings’ songwriter and artist Tasha Layton has received her third No. 1 radio single with her latest song, “Worship Through It” featuring Chris Brown of Elevation Worship. Written by Layton, Matthew West, AJ Prius, and Keith Everette Smith, this song is No. 1 for the second week on the Mediabase Christian Impression chart as well as in the Top 5 on the Mediabase Christian AC Monitor and Top 3 at Mediabase AC Activator charts.

“When I think of praise, I think of lifting God up and giving Him adoration for who He is and what He’s done,” shares Tasha Layton of her song. “Suddenly when I do that, I’m not thinking of myself or my problems in the same way.  I’m beginning to look at them through the lens of God’s faithfulness and His ability to bring me through. Essentially praise not only gives God the glory, but also brings us encouragement as well.”

This summer, Layton recorded her first-ever live worship album, which will feature the No. 1 song and the Dove Award-winning Worship Recorded Song of the Year, “Praise.” This live album was taped in Thompson Station, TN, and will be released in early 2025. The live version of “Worship Through It” was recently released (see below). She will also release a new Christmas song just in time to celebrate the holiday season!

Sarantos’ latest single, *Hate to See You Happy*, marries humor with heartache in a distinctive, theatrical pop offering. Drawing on the drama of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical stylings, Sarantos crafts a vivid emotional story of love, loss, and lingering feelings in this track.

The song captures the agony of seeing a former lover move on while the protagonist remains anchored in the past, all with a playful undercurrent that keeps the experience accessible.

The track opens with soft yet earnest instrumentation, immediately setting a nostalgic tone. Sarantos’ vocals are expressive, at times dripping with sarcasm, at others imbued with raw vulnerability. The verses reflect on happier times, painting a picture of two people who once “danced among the stars,” only to have their love unravel like “two sad ships adrift on separate seas.” 

Heartbreak With a Theatrical Twist: Sarantos’ “Hate to See You Happy”

Stream & Enjoy

Musically, “Hate to See You Happy” is an engaging blend of pop elements and theatrical flair. The arrangement balances gentle piano melodies with dynamic crescendos, creating a sense of rising tension. Sarantos’ voice shines in the pre-chorus, his emotive delivery propelling the listener into the core conflict: the bitter taste of watching an ex’s newfound happiness.

The chorus is infectiously catchy, its repetition of “I hate to see her happy” infused with just enough irony to keep the sorrow from overwhelming the song’s lighter touch.

Lyrically, Sarantos plays with contrast—on one hand, there’s the pain of seeing someone happy without you; on the other, the recognition that clinging to the past only prolongs the hurt. The song succeeds because of this tension, blending introspective moments with humor.

The video further amplifies this theme, illustrating the universal experience of holding on when it’s time to let go, complete with a whimsical theatricality that echoes Sarantos’ inspiration.

Beyond the music, Sarantos aligns the track with a charitable cause—Action for Happiness—reflecting his long-standing commitment to blending art with social impact.

Recommended If You Like:

1. “I’m Not That Girl” by Idina Menzel – for its theatrical reflection on lost love  

2. “Someone Like You” by Adele – for its raw emotion and similar subject matter  

3. “As If We Never Said Goodbye” by Barbra Streisand – for its grand, theatrical delivery  

4. “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt – for the heartbreak and bittersweet pop elements  

5. “Without You” by Mariah Carey – for its emotional depth and vocal power  

For those wanting to explore a more complex take on theatrical heartbreak, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” soundtrack provides a richer, darker narrative and grander orchestration that takes love and loss to new dramatic heights.

“Hate to See You Happy” is a refreshing blend of pop accessibility and theatrical depth, capturing the bittersweet struggle of moving on with a clever, relatable twist. Sarantos continues to grow as a storyteller, offering fans an emotionally resonant experience.

–Rob Smith

The Gaither Music Group family proudly celebrates Gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither, who were honored with the prestigious Jackie Patillo Leadership Award at the 2024 GMA DOVE Awards, recognizing their lasting contributions to the Gospel music community. The Jackie Patillo Leadership Award is given annually to recognize an individual or an organization that has demonstrated outstanding, sustained, and substantive contributions to the Christian and Gospel music industry.

The honor was presented to the Gaithers in acknowledgment of their decades of leadership and the deep impact of their songwriting, which has uplifted countless audiences worldwide with beloved songs like “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” “It Is Finished,” “Something Beautiful,” and “There’s Something About That Name.”

As their names were announced, the audience leapt to its feet in recognition of the Gaithers’ profound legacy. Accepting the award, Bill Gaither shared a heartfelt message: “I want to encourage all you young songwriters to keep writing your songs. There’s a hole in the heart of this country. There’s a whole lot of empty going on. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our song. There’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill.”

“I was so privileged and delighted to award Gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award,” said Roy Morgan, Chairman of the Board, Gospel Music Association. “True leaders in our industry, their timeless songs and immeasurable impact have been an integral part of shaping Christian music across the decades. I can’t think of two people more deserving of this honor.”

“We were overwhelmed by both receiving the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award and the way the audience at the Dove Awards honored us by their love,” said Bill and Gloria Gaither. “What a family this is—the Family of God! We are so glad to be a part of this Family.”

This award reflects the Gaithers’ long history of excellence in Gospel music. Over the years, Bill and Gloria have penned more than 700 songs together, garnered eight GRAMMY® Awards and more than a dozen nominations, and earned over 40 Gospel Music Association (GMA) DOVE Awards, with Songwriter of the Year titles to their credit eight times. The couple is also honored members of both the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

The Gaithers’ legacy continues to flourish. They recently hosted and filmed a Gaither Homecoming Hymns Singalong, set to release digitally and physically and scheduled to air on TV in January, which features performances by over 200 artists. In addition, their fall concert tour is currently underway, bringing timeless messages of hope and faith to audiences across the country.

Their highly anticipated Christmas tour will kick off in December, featuring shows in cities such as Tulsa, OK; Paducah, KY; Grand Rapids, MI; and more. (See below for tour dates.)

“We are so looking forward to the Homecoming Christmas Tour!” said Bill Gaither. “It is the one time in the year that no matter our musical preferences, we can come together around the event that split history in two—the birth of the Messiah. The body of songs that have celebrated this birth continues to unite us. Come join us! Bring the whole family and make a new memory this Christmas season.”

Stay tuned for more details on the Gaithers’ upcoming projects. To find a complete list of tour dates

Gaither Vocal Band Tour Dates

• October 11: New Bern, NC — Temple Church
• October 12: Lexington, SC — Northside Baptist
• October 13: Savannah, GA — Johnny Mercer Theatre
• October 14: Lenoir City, TN — First Baptist Lenoir (SOLD OUT)
• October 15: Pigeon Forge, TN — LeConte Center
• November 7: Texarkana, TX — First Baptist Church
• November 8: Flint, TX — Flint Baptist (SOLD OUT)
• November 23: Decatur, IL — Tabernacle Baptist Church (Christmas Concert, SOLD OUT)
• November 24: Sterling Heights, MI — Bethesda Christian Church

Christmas Concerts

• December 5: Benton, LA — Cypress Baptist Church
• December 6: Tulsa, OK — Mabee Center
• December 7: Paducah, KY — Heartland Church
• December 8: Concord, NC — Cabarrus Arena
• December 11: Louisville, KY — Southeast Christian Church
• December 12: Troy, OH — Hobart Arena
• December 13: Grand Rapids, MI — Central Wesleyan
• December 14: Shipshewana, IN — Blue Gate Performing Arts Center (1:00pm & 7:00pm)

In a surprise announcement this week, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) revealed the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in the heart of Music City. The announcement was delivered in a video featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Jekalyn Carr, Danny Gokey and CeCe Winans carrying the Dove statuette from Lipscomb’s Allen Arena to Bridgestone Arena.

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be live, Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.

Celebrating the October 4 release of their highly anticipated new album, Live In Memphis, Gospel music trailblazers Ernie Haase & Signature Sound capped an already momentous day by taking home their seventh career Gospel Music Association Dove Award for a special project reflecting two decades of music and ministry.

Announced by presenters David and Tamela Mann during last Friday’s broadcast of the 55th Annual Dove Awards on TBN, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound garnered the trophy for Southern Gospel Album of the Year for their 2023 release, Live In Amsterdam: A 20th Anniversary Celebration. Produced by Wayne Haun, the StowTown Records set features 10 fan favorites recorded before a capacity crowd at Rafaël Evangelism Center in Amsterdam.

“It’s always a wonderful surprise to win a Dove, so we were immediately filled with joy and thanksgiving when we received the news on tour,” shares Haase. “Live In Amsterdam was such a special project for us, commemorating 20 years of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound as a group and celebrating God’s faithfulness to us and through us.”

“I’ve been singing and touring for 38 years, but since the pandemic I have gained a new appreciation for what we get to do,” he adds. “Every night that we’re in front of an audience is truly sacred to us. We’re very grateful Live In Amsterdam was recognized by our peers because these are the songs that have connected us with fans over the years, and we know that’s ultimately because these songs connect people to the Savior.”

News of the Dove win broke as Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s latest in-concert set, Live In Memphis, hit retail and streaming platforms Friday. Showcasing the rich history of quartet singing in America, the 14-song Club44 Records release was executive produced by Haase and produced by Wayne Haun. Hallmarked by multiple guest appearances, Live In Memphis showcases a distinctive selection of Broadway, Gospel, Great American Songbook, and Spiritual standards spanning more than a century.

“Live In Memphis highlights some of the songs that first got me hooked on quartet music,” Haase explains. “We are thrilled to feature Scott Fowler, previously of The Cathedrals and now of Legacy Five; our former bass vocalist Paul Harkey; the legendary Blackwood Brothers; and Country Music Hall of Famer Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys on this project, and we hope it reflects the energy and excitement that Signature Sound strives to bring in concert as we share these timeless tunes in new and updated ways.”

The Takeback Tour with Tauren Wells + Jordan Feliz along with Ryan Ellis and Davies. was recently announced. Don’t miss this special winter tour that will hit eight cities nationwide in December. 

This tour will be filled with nights of contagious energy and heartfelt worship, designed to uplift the church and the community beyond. Get ready to be moved and inspired by their chart-topping hits including “Take It All Back,” “Known,” “Joy in the Morning,” “Hills and Valleys” and “The River,” as well as some brand-new songs by these incredible artists.

“This winter we will be bringing our passion for music and inspiration to every city we visit,” shares Tauren Wells. “Get ready for a tour that will touch your heart, lift your spirits, and leave you feeling empowered!”

Jordan Feliz adds, “I’m so excited to head out on the TAKEBACK Tour. This tour is gonna be so awesome! We can’t wait to watch all that God has in store, worship with everyone who comes out & elevate Jesus’s name!”