2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards: Male Artist of the Year Nominees

Vermont native Ben Fuller earns his inaugural Male Artist of the Year recognition riding the momentum of his sophomore set, “Walk Through Fire.” An in-demand collaborator with a powerful testimony, Fuller has recorded notable songs with Carrie Underwood, Zach Williams and Tasha Layton. In addition, the recently engaged artist has been headlining his “Black Sheep Tour,” racking up sold-out dates and priceless fan encounters in cities across the country. The “Turn” singer is tapped to perform at the 2026 Kickoff Concert, which will officially launch the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend.

Reining Male Artist of the Year Brandon Lake could easily keep his crown, but ultimately, fans will determine his fate. He’s dominated this category the past three consecutive years, and over the past 12 months, he’s shown no signs of slowing down. In the midst of selling out arenas nationwide in support of his GRAMMY®-nominated “King Of Hearts” collection, he’s been writing and recording with some of country music’s brightest stars. Following his unstoppable smash with Jelly Roll via “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” collaborations with Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman and Lainey Wilson have ensued, with many more to come. Lake is also scheduled to lead Cowboy Church at Nashville’s CMA Fest next month.

Chris Tomlin last won Male Artist of the Year back in 2015, capping a three-year streak of consecutive wins. He’s been a perennial nominee in the category ever since. His 2026 entry arrives on the coattails of his latest full-length studio release, “The King Is Still The King,” which features lead single and Song of the Year contender “How Good It Is.” Alongside a rich catalog of recognizable anthems, the father of three took his new music across the country on this year’s Winter Jam tour. Moreover, in April he celebrated the 10th anniversary of his signature Good Friday Nashville event, which remains the longest-running annual charity-related concert in Bridgestone Arena’s history with proceeds benefiting For Others, the non-profit he founded alongside his wife, Lauren, to aid children in foster care.

Following a successful “Hits Deep” run with TobyMac and Crowder, Jeremy Camp headed back into the studio to record “Reflector,” a full-throttle rock anthem that hearkens back to the earliest days of his career and serves as a direct answer to fans, who have been begging the Indiana native for more aggressive melodies since he took the fiery “No Survivors” straight to the top of the charts in February. The immense popularity of “No Survivors” drives his slot on the Male Artist of the Year ballot, in addition to high-profile nods for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. He’ll join CeCe Winans and Andrew Ripp Aug. 16, 2026, for a show in Chicago as part of K-LOVE’s Landmarks concert series.

Jon Reddick earns his first Male Artist of the Year entry on the strength of his first No. 1, “No Fear,” which is also up for Song of the Year. “No Fear” titles the beloved worship leader’s sophomore album and has become a highlight of his live set throughout his recent “Hope Nights” run with previous K-LOVE Fan Award winners Danny Gokey and We Are Messengers. In addition to leading Worship in the Round on Saturday morning of this year’s K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend, the recent chart-topper will head to the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Aug. 5, 2026, and New York’s iconic Beacon Theatre on Aug. 14, as part of K-LOVE’s Landmarks concert series.

Male Artist of the Year nominee Josiah Queen joins the ranks of Christian music’s most esteemed men for the second year in a row thanks to his inaugural No. 1 single, “Can’t Steal My Joy,” a banjo-driven collaboration he wrote and recorded with Brandon Lake. The Tampa native has since taken it across the country on an expansive headlining tour that’s also seen him debut new songs to wild acclaim, including Gen Z anthem “Dusty Bibles,” repentant confession “Judas” and mental health medicator “Demons.” The emerging singer-songwriter builds on the momentum from the previous two years, which propelled his rise from Breakout Single contender in 2024 to Artist of the Year nominee in 2026.

Three-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner Matthew West continues to be one of the hardest working men in Christian music. The father of two manages the careers of both Anne Wilson and Peter Burton, consistently writes hits for other artists, hosts a popular podcast, frequently authors books and entertains a busy touring schedule in support of his own massive songs, including recent offerings like “Good” and “Jesus Is King.” West, who has frequently hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards, co-wrote “No Fear,” Jon Reddick’s first No. 1 and a 2026 Song of the Year finalist. Fans named the “Don’t Stop Praying” singer Male Artist of the Year back in 2022.

Male Artist of the Year is just one of four titles Phil Wickham will vie for this year. The SoCal native’s had a phenomenal 12 months, thanks to his most recent project, “Song Of The Saints,” which spawned massive hit “What An Awesome God,” after Wickham reimagined the Rich Mullins classic to critical acclaim. The album also features fan favorite “The King Is In The Room” and recent No. 1 “Homesick For Heaven.” Meanwhile, the record’s deluxe version boasts his current collaboration with Crowder, “It Really Is Amazing Grace.” It’s officially been 20 years since Wickham launched his debut, and with a nationwide arena tour across 2026, he’s proving he’s only getting started.

First-time Male Artist of the Year nominee Seph Schlueter cements his staying power with a pair of nods this year, thanks to an additional Song of the Year entry for “Won’t Start Now.” In 2024, the newcomer won the coveted Breakout Single bracket, courtesy of his debut single, “Counting My Blessings.” The No. 1 song also became the title of his first full-length album and propelled his inaugural headlining tour. Additionally, the new dad just wrapped a spring run opening for Crowder and Patrick Mayberry. He’s recently recorded duets with Leanna Crawford, Benjamin William Hastings and Matt Maher; and he’s currently working on his sophomore record.

Tauren Wells shows up often on the Male Artist of the Year ballot. His talent is matched only by his tireless work ethic. Last year, Wells released his first book, “Joy Bomb,” which is also nominated in the 2026 Book Impact category. In addition to headlining his own “Take It All Back Tour,” he’s been providing direct support on Phil Wickham’s spring “Song Of The Saints” run. When he’s not on the road, he and his wife, Lorna, pastor a church in Austin, Texas. The pastor, author and podcast host dropped his fourth studio album, “Breathe On It,” at the beginning of May. Moreover, he recently recorded a live, soon-to-be-released worship set with a host of friends, including Tiffany Hudson, Naomi Raine and Israel Houghton, among others.