Nominations for this year’s Dove Awards are set to be announced on Wednesday, July 30th at 10am ET. The full list of nominees will be unveiled at doveawards.com. And throughout the day, the Dove Awards will share clips on Instagram surprising nominees with the big news.

The GMA Dove Awards will feature artists from every style of Gospel/Christian music coming together to celebrate the collective impact of the genre. Over 1,500 professional members determine the Dove Award nominees with the winners voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500. The awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association.

Tauren Wells will be returning as host and performer for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards for his third consecutive year. The GMA Dove Awards will happen live on October 7th, 2025 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are on sale now. The worldwide broadcast will premiere Friday, October 10th, 2025, exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app.

Bell Partners Christian Music, the faith-based division of Bell Partners Worldwide, is proud to announce a new strategic collaboration between David Media and Gotee Records, uniting two influential forces in worship and contemporary Christian music to develop and launch emerging artists.

Since joining the Bell Partners family in 2023, Sweden’s leading worship music publisher David Media has remained focused on its independent mission: cultivating songwriters, developing artists, and equipping churches and listeners across the Nordics. Founded in 2000 by Lars Petersson, the company oversees a catalog of more than 100,000 songs and organizes Sweden’s national worship conference, Konferensen Lovsång.

Gotee Records, established in 1994 by Joey Elwood, Todd Collins, and Grammy-winning artist TobyMac, has long championed artistic diversity. The label has played a key role in launching the careers of Relient K, Jennifer Knapp, Sonicflood, Aaron Cole, and others. Earlier this year, Gotee officially became part of Bell Partners Christian Music, with Elwood and TobyMac continuing to lead both the label and the new division.

Drawing on David Media’s worship heritage and Gotee’s expertise in mainstream Christian music, the partnership kicks off with the debut of two new artists: abenezer and Johan Åsgärde.

abenezer’s first single, “i was lost,” is available. With its evocative soundscape and heartfelt lyrics, the track introduces him as a compelling new voice in contemporary Christian music, exploring themes of redemption and grace. Born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden, abenezer draws from his multicultural roots and personal journey to create emotionally rich, faith-driven music.

His lyrics explore themes of identity, loss, and renewal—shaped by life-altering trials and a deepened commitment to faith. With a sound anchored in authenticity and storytelling, he invites listeners into a raw and transformative experience of grace.

On August 15, Johan Åsgärde will make his debut with “Coming Home,” a melody-driven reflection on spiritual renewal. Produced by Åsgarde along with Oliver Lundstrom and Mike Eriksson, the single is designed to resonate both in church settings and across digital platforms. Johan Åsgärde is a Swedish worship leader and songwriter whose music is rooted in personal transformation and a desire to create space for deep, authentic worship.

He has written songs for churches across Sweden and internationally, and is the founder of the ministry Noise Village. Through his work, Åsgarde encourages a lifestyle of worship that reaches beyond Sunday services into everyday moments.

“Bell Partners Worldwide is already shaping up to be an amazing body of creators, writers, producers, and executives; extremely dynamic, diverse, and collaborative,” says Joey Elwood, CEO of Bell Partners Christian Music/Gotee Records. “The David Media/Gotee Records team is an exciting start as we march forward towards an artist roster that more closely aligns with the global consumer landscape, where although our differences may be many, our music has to speak as one.”

“We’re excited and grateful for the partnership with the brilliant Gotee team, and we’re looking forward to working alongside them to make dreams of global music collaboration come true,” shares Mia Runeson (Managing Director, David Media).

 Faith-filled reflections on grace, unity, and the healing power of music

On her new single “Love Through Sound,” Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Krawczyk offers more than just a gentle folk-pop melody—she offers a spiritual experience. Released on August 1st in honor of Jerry Garcia’s birthday, the track is rich with poetic imagery and subtle nods to the Grateful Dead’s legacy.

But more importantly, it carries a message that resonates deeply with the Christian faith: the healing, unifying, and redemptive power of love expressed through music.

At its core, “Love Through Sound” is a song about connection—about how music can transcend time, place, and circumstance to bring people together. It’s a reflection of God’s ability to speak to us through unexpected mediums. Scripture tells us in Romans 10:17 that “faith comes from hearing”—and while Paul was talking about the Word of God, it’s no leap to say that God can use music, too, as a vessel for grace.

Krawczyk’s lyrics gently weave metaphors that speak to the soul:
“Your golden road has strangers shaking hands / And Uncle Sam’s blues will help us save this land…”
There’s something almost biblical in this vision—a picture of reconciliation, of reaching across boundaries, of lifting one another up in brotherly love. In a divided world, that vision is more than poetic. It’s prophetic.

Musically, the arrangement is organic and warm—acoustic guitars, electric flourishes, rich background vocals, and a rhythm section that feels like the heartbeat of a living, breathing church community. There’s no bombast, no manipulation—just beauty delivered with integrity. It mirrors the way the Holy Spirit moves: not always in fire and thunder, but in stillness, in gentle rhythm, in a whisper.

Krawczyk’s vocal performance is sincere and unpretentious. She doesn’t oversing; she simply offers her voice as a vessel for something bigger. That humility is a mark of true artistry—and faith. It reminds us that the message matters more than the messenger.

The song’s refrain, “Love through sound,” repeats like a prayer. And isn’t that what worship music is at its best? A way of offering love through sound? While “Love Through Sound” isn’t overtly Christian, it reflects a deeply spiritual truth—that music has the power to heal wounds, mend hearts, and draw us closer to one another and to God.

For Christian listeners, this song can serve as both a reminder and an invitation. A reminder that God often meets us in the quiet moments, in the lines of a song, in the harmonies we share with others. And an invitation to listen more closely—not just to the music, but to what the Spirit might be saying through it.

In “Love Through Sound,” Alex Krawczyk doesn’t just sing. She ministers. She extends grace through melody and light through lyric. And in doing so, she reminds us that, yes, love can still be heard—and felt—in every note.

Final thought: Let those with ears to hear, hear. And maybe, just maybe, sing along.

-David Williams

This week, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music artist, singer-songwriter Leanna Crawford shares the exciting announcement that her The Still Waters tour will be returning this fall with new dates. The tour is named after her debut album, which arrived in July 2024, and was followed by a deluxe version earlier this year. She will be joined by special guest Cade Thompson.

Leanna Crawford has quickly become a beloved figure in the contemporary Christian music scene with her heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and a voice that resonates with authenticity and grace.  The inspirational body of work showcases Leanna’s exceptional talent and deep faith through a collection of powerful, inspiring songs.

New Tour Dates

• Nov 6 Xenia, OH
• Nov 7 Martinsville, IN
• Nov 8 Frankenmuth, MI
• Nov 9 Wabash, IN
• Nov 11 Willow Springs, MO
• Nov 13 Glendale, AZ
• Nov 14 Tucson, AZ
• Nov 15 Roswell, NM
• Nov 16 Lubbock, TX
• Nov 20 Jaffrey, NH
• Nov 21 Hampden, MA
• Nov 22 Uxbridge, MA
• Nov 23 Waterville, ME

Grammy-nominee Forrest Frank has received two gold certifications today from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).  The certifications celebrate Frank’s success with his hit song, “Your Way’s Better” and his album Child of God, each selling at least 500,000 copies within the US.  These mark his second and third RIAA gold certifications, the first being “Altar” (with Hulvey), which went gold in June.

Marvin Winans, an American pastor and gospel singer, has debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart this week, with his performance of “Forgiveness”.  The song also debuts topping the Gospel Streaming Songs, meanwhile hitting number 3 on both the Hot Christian Songs and Christian Streaming Songs.

“Forgiveness” appears as the closing track on Justin Bieber’s  seventh studio album, Swag, which was released on July 11 of this year.  The song covers “Lord, I Lift Your Name On High”, written by Rick Founds in 1989, and samples this Instagram post Winans made in September 2024.

10x platinum band MercyMe has garnered their 51st multi-format No. 1 song with “Oh Death” topping the Mediabase Christian AC chart after previously hitting the top spot on the Mediabase Christian AC Activator and Canadian Christian Radio Chart (CCRC) charts as well.  Written by Bart Millard, Walker Hayes, Ethan Hulse & Tedd Tjornhom, “Oh Death” is the first radio single from their upcoming August 8th release, WONDER & AWE.

WONDER & AWE is the band’s 12th studio project and follows their 2022 release,  ALWAYS ONLY JESUS, which boasted the No. 1 hits, “Then Christ Came feat. Phil Wickham” and “To Not Worship You,” as well as the top five hit, “Always Only Jesus.”

The new 13-track project finds the band collaborting with longtime producer Tedd T, who also serves as Executive Producer, as well as Brown Bannister, and new creative voices Josh Auer, Jarad Atherton and Carter Frodge. For the first time ever, the band also jumped in to co-produce all tracks.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I can’t believe we get to make music for a living!” remarked Millard upon hearing the news of the song hitting No. 1. “Anytime we can write a song that connects with people on any level, it’s a dream come true. ‘Oh Death’ is no exception!”

In support of the new release, MercyMe is embarking on a eight-date stint this fall with fellow hitmakers TobyMac and Matthew West from September 25 through October 5.  Giving fans even more of the phenomenal in-person experience, “MERCYME LIVE 2025” is slated to continue through the fall with Natalie Grant and special guest Sam Wesley.

MERCYME, TOBYMAC & MATTHEW WEST

Sept. 25 — Birmingham, AL // Legacy Arena at the BJCC

Sept. 26 — Biloxi, MS // Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Sept. 27 — New Orleans, LA // Smoothie King Center

Sept. 28 — Beaumont, TX // Ford Park

Oct. 2 — Jonesboro, AR // First National Bank Arena

Oct. 3 — Highland Heights, KY // Truist Arena

Oct. 4 — Charlottesville, VA //John Paul Jones Arena

Oct. 5 — Hershey, PA // Giant Center

MERCYME LIVE 2025
*With Natalie Grant and special guest, Sam Wesley

Oct 16 – Cedar Rapids, IA // Alliant Energy PowerHouse
Oct. 17 — Green Bay, WI // Resch Center
Oct. 18 — Bemidji, MN // Sanford Center
Oct. 19 — Sioux City, IA // Tyson Event Center – Fleet Farm Arena
Oct. 23 — Columbia, MO // Mizzou Arena
Oct. 24 — Sioux Falls, SD // Denny Sanford Premier Center
Oct. 25 — Rapid City, SD // Summit Arena at The Monument
Oct. 30 — Grand Forks, ND // Alerus Center
Oct. 31 — Bismarck, ND // Bismarck Event Center
Nov. 1 — Billings, MT // MetraPark – First Interstate Arena
Nov. 6 — Loveland, CO // Blue Arena *Natalie Grant will not be appearing on this date 

Nov. 7 — Dodge City, KS // United Wireless Arena
Nov. 8 — Topeka, KS // Stormont Vail Events Center
Nov 9 – West Lafayette, IN // Elliott Hall of Music

Centricity Music is proud to announce the signing of the innovative and immersive musical group The Choir Room. The brainchild of three-time GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter and producer Dwan Hill, The Choir Room invites people of all ages and backgrounds to congregate and join their voices to create a unique and memorable concert experience. Since 2022.

The Choir Room has joined thousands of voices in concert from around the world including special guest vocalists from all genres such as Ben Rector, San Franklin, Tasha Layton, Allen Stone, and Fred Hammond. The group has also joined Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll on their single “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and performed with Forrest Frank at the 2024 GMA Dove Awards.

“Centricity is excited to partner with a musical talent like Dwan and everyone involved with The Choir Room,” shares Caren Seidle, CEO of Centricity Music. “They have created a way to bring people from all walks of life together in one room to sing powerful and uplifting songs across generations. Their passion and dedication to authentic connection through music are truly inspiring, and we are honored to support their journey.”

Founded by three-time GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter and producer Dwan Hill in 2022, The Choir Room welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to congregate and be a part of their concert. Rather than watching an artist on stage, the audience forms a circle around the band on the floor and guided by Hill, join their voices in harmony as they sing gospel staples and original songs.

In 2024 The Choir Room released their debut album, Let’s Have Church (Live), which included favorites such as “Joy – The Choir Room Version” with Ben Rector, which gathered over 1 million streams. The Choir Room continues to have a worldwide impact, with thousands of voices joining them in concert. Their second album, Everybody Needs Someone, will be released later this summer via Centricity Music.

WieRok Entertainment Group announces the appointment of Holly Salazar to head of publishing and rights management, overseeing the company’s catalog across its label imprints: WieRok Records, Amplo Records, Wie3 Records, and WieRise Music. Salazar will lead WieRok’s newly centralized publishing and rights division as the multi-faceted company brings its music rights administration fully in-house.

This strategic shift marks a major milestone for WieRok Entertainment’s continued growth and its ability to better serve artists, songwriters, and partners with greater transparency, ownership, and creative control. Salazar will manage WieRok’s full scope of publishing services, including global registrations, royalty systems, licensing, sync opportunities, writer care, and rights strategy, further positioning the company to maximize the long-term value of its catalog while keeping its mission front and center.

“Holly is one of the sharpest minds in music publishing and rights,” says Lance Wieland, WieRok Entertainment Group co-founder and CEO. “She’s a systems builder, a champion for creatives, and someone who sees both the forest and the trees. I believe she’ll be a catalyst for our continued growth and a key voice in nurturing our servant-leader culture. She brings not only deep expertise but also a spirit of collaboration that fits beautifully within the heart and hustle of our team. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her into this next chapter.”

Salazar comes to WieRok Entertainment with over 15 years of experience in publishing, royalties, licensing, and creative rights strategy, having administered more than 2,000 songs and secured over 500 placements across radio, film, streaming, church platforms, and editorial playlists. She most recently oversaw global rights operations at Dvout Music, where she built full-service administration, licensing, and A&R systems from the ground up and was instrumental in royalty recovery and catalog audits, unlocking significant revenue for artists and rights holders.

In addition, Salazar previously held senior roles at Bethel Music and BMI and is widely respected for her precision, ethics, and strategic thinking. Further underscoring her commitment to and influence within the Christian music industry, Salazar currently serves as vice president and finance director for the Administrators of Gospel Music, an educational, networking, and information-sharing organization dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in Christian music rights administration.

Multi-Grammy Award-winning gospel artist, author, and nationally syndicated radio host Erica Campbell returns this fall with the highly anticipated second year of Laugh, Cry, Heal—a two-day conference that has quickly become a beacon of transformation and healing for thousands. This year’s conference will take place in four dynamic cities: Birmingham, AL; Rahway, NJ; Phoenix, AZ; and Chicago, IL.

Laugh, Cry, Heal is more than a faith-based gathering—it’s a safe space for emotional release, self-discovery, and holistic healing. Rooted in genuine conversations and radical self-care, this two-day experience is designed to help individuals and families confront life’s challenges, embrace vulnerability, and embark on the journey toward mental, emotional, and spiritual renewal.

From powerful worship to expert-led discussions and moments of stillness, Laugh, Cry, Heal creates space for healing that lasts far beyond the weekend.

“We’re not hiding the pain. We’re meeting it with laughter, with truth, and with healing,” said Erica Campbell. “This conference is about giving yourself permission to feel it all, then walk away healed, , whole, and courageous.”

2025 Laugh, Cry, Heal Tour Dates & Locations:

• October 3–4 – Worship Center Christian Church, Birmingham, AL
• October 10–11 – Agape Family Worship Center, Rahway, NJ
• October 24–25 – Kingdom Valley Christian Church, Phoenix, AZ
• October 31–November 1 – Progressive Baptist Church, Chicago, IL

Tickets:

• Pre-Sale (Limited Time Only): VIP $100 | General Admission $50
• Regular Pricing: VIP $125 | General Admission $75

VIP ticket holders receive exclusive access to meet-and-greet sessions, premium seating, and special gifts.

Last year’s virtual conference drew attendees from across the globe. This year, the in-person experience offers attendees the opportunity to connect deeply with the community, engage in live worship, and leave equipped to live courageously.

Additional speakers and artists will be announced in the coming weeks.