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Brandon Lake and Lainey Wilson // Dove Awards 2026
BRANDON AND LEINEY.jpg
Brandon Lake and Lainey Wilson // Dove Awards 2026
World News

Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake and Josiah Queen lead Dove Awards winners

by Kelly Valencia

Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake and Josiah Queen were among the biggest winners at this year's GMA Dove Awards, each taking home three awards at the ceremony celebrating Christian and gospel music.

Wickham was named Artist of the Year, while Queen's song Dusty Bibles won Song of the Year at the 57th annual ceremony, held in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jamie MacDonald was named New Artist of the Year, while Lake won Songwriter of the Year.

Jamie McDonald /Dove Awards 2026

The awards, hosted by Tauren Wells at the Bridgestone Arena, recognised artists across a range of genres, including gospel, worship, country, hip-hop and Spanish-language music.

Speaking to Premier Gospel's Adam Brooks at the event, Christian hip-hop artist 1K Phew reflected on a period of renewed momentum in his career, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen his faith.

"It's a blessing, and it's funny that you said like, you know, it ain't an overnight thing, but I also feel like this also gives me a second chance," he said.

"It give me another chance to be a stronger child of God."

Christian hip-hop artist 1K Phew

The artist said he had gone through a difficult period when he felt misunderstood, but his recent experiences reinforced his belief in God's faithfulness.

"It's no greater feeling to know and get that reminder that God has you," he said.

His message to listeners in the UK was to remain focused on their own path rather than being influenced by other people's expectations.

"Stay in the lane that God has for you, and if you stay on that course and stay on track and have tunnel vision on him, everything you have coming for you will come to you," he said.

Another artist interviewed by Brooks said he was preparing to branch out into acting after working on a film with Tyler Perry.

"I'm getting ready to pivot soon, man," he said, explaining that he was taking on projects beyond music.

"I'm doing acting now, you know, film, doing a whole bunch of other things."

The musician and producer also spoke about the changing music industry, saying he was excited to see how artists would find new ways to express themselves and build their careers.

Asked about his creative process, he said he preferred not to overthink his work.

"Sometimes I just press record on the equipment and I just play whatever comes, and I go back, and I'll edit," he told Brooks.

Gospel music featured prominently at this year's ceremony. Tasha Cobbs Leonard won two awards, including Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for Church, her collaboration with John Legend.

CeCe Winans won Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for More Than This, featuring Todd Dulaney, while veteran Southern Gospel artist Karen Peck won her ninth career Dove Award.

Cece Winans // Dove Awards 2026Leyenda

The ceremony also featured a tribute to gospel musician Richard Smallwood, with Jonathan McReynolds, Kierra Sheard and Donald Lawrence among those performing.

Elsewhere, Brandon Lake and country singer Lainey Wilson performed their collaboration The Jesus I Know Now, while Amy Grant and Natalie Grant paid tribute to the late Dolly Parton.

The awards also recognised international artists, including Andrea Bocelli, Daddy Yankee and Sarai Rivera.

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