Brandon Lake dominated the spotlight during the 12th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards, held last week at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

According to the Christian Post, Lake earned a total of four awards, including his first Artist of the Year win, in a ceremony that celebrated achievements in Christian music and media with 17 live performances and recognition across multiple categories.

The K-LOVE Fan Awards, now in its 12th year, brought together some of the biggest names in Christian entertainment. Hosted by Matthew West, Jeremy Camp, Bart Millard of MercyMe, and Mac Powell, the event blended musical performances with touching acceptance speeches and heartfelt moments.

Brandon Lake celebrates breakout year of recognition

Brandon Lake made a clean sweep in all categories he was nominated. He was named Artist of the Year, received his third Male Artist of the Year honor, and added two more victories for songs that resonated with fans and topped the charts.

Lake's track “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” which features Jelly Roll, earned Song of the Year. The award-winning track was written by Lake along with Steven Furtick, Chris Brown of Elevation Worship, Benjamin Hastings, and Rodrick Simmons, and has remained on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for months.

In addition, “That's Who I Praise” won Worship Song of the Year, further cementing Lake’s influence in the genre. These wins bring Lake's total K-LOVE Fan Awards count to nine, tying him with Lauren Daigle for the second-highest all-time wins.

Emotional moments and calls to act during speeches

In his acceptance speeches, Lake reflected on his fears and faith, urging attendees to live out their beliefs. “I’ve never felt comfortable doing what God’s called me to do,” he admitted, describing how he carries fear into every performance.

He called on fans to become agents of change in their communities rather than waiting for larger platforms. “You might be the closest thing to Jesus [a neighbor] is ever gonna experience,” he shared, encouraging the audience to “be the hands and feet of Jesus.”

Lake also thanked fans for their continued support, saying, “Thank you to everyone who voted, who shows up to a show, who plays the music, who shares it. I love you. Thank you, and thank you, Jesus.”

Jelly Roll shares gratitude from afar

Although Jelly Roll could not attend, he appeared in a video to express his appreciation for the award and his collaboration with Lake. Speaking from the Grand Ole Opry in a pre-recorded message, he remarked that their win showed what faith can achieve.

“From a jail cell to a K-LOVE award … that is something only God can do,” said Jelly Roll. He spoke of how the song gave him a chance to express his faith more openly, crediting Lake for creating a space where honesty and belief could shine through.

Lake shared during the show that Jelly Roll told him the song had been an answer to prayer. “He was like, I’ve been praying for a song like this,” Lake recalled, praising their collaboration as a deep spiritual connection.

For KING + COUNTRY and CeCe Winans honored

For KING + COUNTRY continued their award dominance by winning Group of the Year for the seventh time, growing their overall K-LOVE award count to a record-setting 19. Luke Smallbone used the moment to urge fellow musicians to “burn” for their faith and led a spontaneous rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

CeCe Winans celebrated a career milestone this year as well, earning her first K-LOVE Fan Award for Female Artist of the Year. The lauded gospel singer has long been a fixture in the Christian music world and was met with enthusiastic applause.

Leanna Crawford also left her mark by winning Breakout Single of the Year for “Still Waters (Psalm 23),” which recently became her first No. 1 radio hit. She was among several newcomers who gave live performances during the evening.

The stage is filled with both legends and newcomers

Live performances added energy and variety to the ceremony, with 17 acts featuring both established names and emerging talent. Among the newcomers were Elevation Rhythm, Jamie MacDonald, Patrick Mayberry, Megan Woods, and Crawford herself.

Jon Reddick teamed up with We The Kingdom for a performance of his chart-topping song “No Fear” and also joined TobyMac in the show’s opening act, performing their energetic single “Nothin’ Sweeter.”

Jeremy Camp introduced the crowd to “No Survivors,” the lead single from his upcoming album “Deeper Waters,” while Mac Powell performed worship classics in a medley with Matt Maher and Steve Hindalong.

Media categories recognize broader cultural impact

Awards also honored faith-based media content beyond music. Matthew West won the Book Impact award for “My Story, Your Glory,” marking his third win for his writing contributions.

“The Chosen” received the Film Impact award for its Season 5 theatrical release, reflecting its growing popularity among faith audiences. The TV/Streaming Impact honor went to “House of David.”

Max Lucado, a best-selling Christian author and minister, was recognized for Podcast Impact with “Encouraging Word.” In sports, Oklahoma Sooners softball coach Patty Gasso received the 2025 Sports Impact Award for her influence on and off the field.