8 Impactful Moments From 2023 GMA Dove Awards

(Billboard) -Brandon Lake and Tasha Cobbs Leonard were among those in the winner’s circle on Friday evening (Oct. 20), as the 54th annual Dove Awards aired on TBN.

The Gospel Music Association began in 1964, and the first Dove Awards were held in 1969; initially, the ceremony primarily honored Southern gospel music. But the awards ceremony has expanded over the decades to honor an array of sounds and musical styles, including pop, hip-hop, Gospel, country, Latin and more.

1. For King & Country and Jordin Sparks Sing ‘Love Me Like I Am’

   Flanked by blue laser lighting across the arena’s main stage, Jordin Sparks joined for King & Country’s Luke and Joel Smallbone for a pitch-perfect rendering of the collaboration “Love Me Like I Am,” from for King & Country’s 2022 album What Are We Waiting For?.

2. Blanca and Jekalyn Carr Bring ‘New’ Energy to Dove Awards Stage
   Flanked by dancers and clad in silver attire, Blanca and Carr brought high intensity and wondrous vocal blending to their first GMA Dove Awards performance of the collaboration “New Day,” with its propulsive hip-hop beats, soul-soaked groove and an energetic performance with a dash of 2000s pop flair.
3. Dr. Bobby Jones Honored With Jackie Patillo Leadership Award

   Dr. Bobby Jones was honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award, an honor named after the Gospel Music Association’s president/executive director.

   Dr. Jones started his television career in 1976 and launched the variety program Bobby Jones Gospel on BET in 1980. Bobby Jones Gospel, which ran on BET for 35 years, provided prime media exposure for artists including Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, Byron Cage and more. Dr. Bobby Jones was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

4. Lauren Daigle Comforts With ‘Be Okay’

   As several artists did throughout the evening, Lauren Daigle recognized the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Daigle offered the comforting, soulful piano ballad “Be Okay,” which she wrote with fellow CCM songwriter Ellie Holcomb.

   “In light of what has happened in Israel this week, our eyes need to be opened to what He might be calling us to,” Daigle told the audience. “We have the hope of eternity and the good news of the Gospel. We aren’t bringing in messages that tear and divide, we’re bringing in messages that remind people of their worth, that remind children they are valuable and belong in society.”

5. Christian Hip-Hop’s Impact Celebrated
   As the hip-hop music genre celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the GMA Dove Awards ceremony also offered performances highlighting the impact of Christian hip-hop through the decades, featuring Hulvey, Social Club Misfit, GRITS and TobyMac. Hulvey, wearing a jersey emblazoned with Lecrae’s name, offered “Altar,” while GRITS and TobyMac performed their 2002 collaboration “Ooh Aah.”