This year's list of Dove Award nominees proves that the past 12 months have been filled with some incredible moments of worship. As the Gospel Music Association seeks to honor the biggest songs of the year, here are ten powerful songs from some of your favorite K-LOVE artists whose hits made the final ballot for the 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards.
You can watch this year's awards show on Friday, October 30 at 5 PM Pacific (7 PM Central / 8 PM Eastern), or stream it for free with K-LOVE On Demand.
1. "Almost Home" by MercyMe
MercyMe's Bart Millard wrote "Almost Home" after a conversation with a friend, who was feeling weary after years in ministry. The soaring anthem is an encouragement to run the race set before us with the hope and perseverance to finish well; because this world is not our final destination. The song previews MercyMe's forthcoming studio album.
Nominated for:
- "Song of the Year"
2. "Burn the Ships" by for KING & COUNTRY
As the title track of for KING & COUNTRY’s latest full-length project, “Burn the Ships” serves as a musical metaphor for leaving the past...in the past. The song was culled from real life as the duo’s Luke Smallbone walked his wife, Courtney, through a pill addiction that ended in her resolving to face the struggle head-on and to not allow her past addiction to hinder her future purpose.
Nominated for:
- “Song of the Year”
- “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year”
3. “Dead Man Walking” by Jeremy Camp
Taking a chapter out of Colossians, Jeremy Camp penned “Dead Man Walking” to paint a before-and-after picture of what the Christian conversion experience really looks like. The fresh track is from the five-time Dove Award winner’s latest album, The Story’s Not Over. The movie based on his life, I Still Believe, is also nominated for “Inspirational Film of the Year.”
Nominated for:
- “Song of the Year”
- “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year”
4. “Holy Water” by We The Kingdom
“New Artist of the Year” nominee We The Kingdom was one of the most talked-about acts of the past year thanks to their debut smash, “Holy Water.” The chart-topping song introduced the family band to listeners with its mix of vulnerable, deep lyrics and foot-stomping folk vibes.
Nominated for:
- “Song of the Year”
- “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year”
5. “Nobody (feat. Matthew West)” by Casting Crowns
This hit from Casting Crowns rocketed to the top of the charts with its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics that remind listeners God uses the nobodies of this world every single day to build His Kingdom. For the official recording, the 17-time Dove Award winners are joined by Matthew West, who co-wrote the song with Casting Crowns’ frontman Mark Hall and songwriter/producer Bernie Herms.
Nominated for:
- “Song of the Year”
- “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year”
6. “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle
Reigning “Artist of the Year” Lauren Daigle wrote “Rescue” for someone close to her who was going through a difficult time. The personal ballad serves as a reminder that God will never stop pursuing His children—no matter how far we’ve run. Daigle filmed the cinematic music video for “Rescue” on a glacier in Alaska. She’s once again up for “Artist of the Year,” as well as “Songwriter of the Year (Artist).”
Nominated for:
- “Song of the Year”
- “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year”
7. “Rescue Story” by Zach Williams
Zach Williams says Big Daddy Weave's song, “Redeemed,” changed his life. Now, his original songs are being used to change the lives of countless fans. “Rescue Story,” for which his sophomore album is aptly named, is Williams’ personal testimony of transformation poetically set to music. The hitmaker wrote the single with fellow songwriters Jonathan Smith, Ethan Hulse and new K-LOVE artist Andrew Ripp.
Nominated for:
- “Song of the Year”
8. “The God Who Stays” by Matthew West
Written as a prayer on his piano late at night, “The God Who Stays,” reminds listeners that the God of the universe will never leave us. The song comes from Matthew West's most recent album, Brand New, released earlier this year. In addition to being nominated for his collaboration with Casting Crowns on “Nobody,” West is also a contender for “Songwriter of the Year (Artist),” which he previously won in 2018.
Nominated for:
- “Song of the Year”
9. “The Blessing” by Elevation Worship, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes
“The Blessing” might not have topped the radio charts yet, but this epic collaboration between Elevation Worship, Kari Jobe, and Cody Carnes caught fire as churches around the world began to claim it as their own. Pulled straight from Scripture, the song has since been recorded in numerous languages. Jobe also recorded a unique live version of the song for her album, The Blessing, which released Oct. 23.
Nominated for:
- “Worship Recorded Song of the Year”
10. “Way Maker” by Leeland
The song has literally circled the globe having originally been written by Nigerian singer Sinach. While Michael W. Smith's version of "Way Maker" has become a favorite with K-LOVE listeners, more than 60 different artists have covered the powerful worship anthem, including Mandisa, Passion, and others. Meanwhile, Leeland's version grabbed the nomination for "Worship Recorded Song of the Year" at the 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards.
Nominated for:
- “Song of the Year”
- “Worship Recorded Song of the Year”
