The K-LOVE Fan Awards turn 10 this year, and we’re celebrating! The party entails a three-day weekend of fan-fueled activities at Gaylord Opryland Resort leading up to the biggest night in Christian music when the 10th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards take over the historic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. Ahead of the festivities, happening May 26-28, 2023, let’s hit rewind and recap 10 years’ worth of moments we’ll never forget, performances we’re still talking about and every single winner from the past decade.
2013
In 2013, the inaugural K-LOVE Fan Awards went down in history as the first-ever exclusively fan-voted faith-based awards show, with more than 1.2 million votes cast. Throughout the entire Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend, fans from all across the country gathered at the Gaylord Opryland Resort for concerts, a late night songwriters’ showcase, autograph sessions and more. The weekend culminated with fans lining the red carpet to welcome their favorite artists, authors, actors and athletes into the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville for an evening of one-of-a-kind performances, memorable acceptance speeches and lots of beards, courtesy of the incomparable hosts from “Duck Dynasty.”
TobyMac, who opened the star-studded show with “Me Without You,” was crowned the first Artist of the Year. Additional highlights included Newsboys’ lively rendition of “God’s Not Dead,” Natalie Grant and Kari Jobe teaming up for “Your Great Name” and Third Day capping the night with a mashup of “I Need A Miracle” and “Agnus Dei” as a multitude of the evening’s nominees joined them on stage for one final singalong.
2013 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: TobyMac
Male Artist of the Year: Chris Tomlin
Female Artist of the Year: Kari Jobe
Group/Duo of the Year: Casting Crowns
Breakthrough Artist of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Song of the Year: “Redeemed,” Big Daddy Weave
Sports Impact: Mike Fisher
Film/Television Impact: “Courageous”
Book Impact: “The Love Dare,” Alex Kendrick & Stephen Kendrick
WATCH NOW: 2013 K-LOVE Fan Awards Highlights
2014
After an unparalleled first year in 2013, the 2014 K-LOVE Fan Awards became a highly anticipated event for Christian music and entertainment fans. The Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend introduced the K-LOVE Fan Zone, which featured an entire exhibit floor full of live concerts, meet & greets, celebrity basketball games, Christian music memorabilia and even a look inside Jeremy Camp’s tour bus. The weekend was capped off by the 2nd annual Fan Awards that moved from the historic Ryman Auditorium to Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry House, doubling the size of the venue.
Hosted by Candace Cameron Bure and Matthew West, the 2014 installment of the K-LOVE Fan Awards boasted 23 epic performances — from MercyMe’s opening rendition of “Shake” (complete with dancers and confetti) to UNITED's stunning closing performance of “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail).” In addition, awards were given out in 11 categories, including the newly minted categories of Worship Song of the Year and Best Live Show. Plus, for the first time ever, fans chose the artist who would appear on a 7UP can. Moreover, for every half million votes cast, K-LOVE and World Hope partnered to provide a home for a family in Detroit. More than 2 million fans voted, and four homes were built for those in need.
2014 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: Casting Crowns
Male Artist of the Year: Chris Tomlin
Female Artist of the Year: Mandisa
Group/Duo of the Year: Newsboys
Song of the Year: “Overcomer,” Mandisa
Worship Song of the Year: “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” UNITED
Best Live Show: TobyMac
Sports Impact: Thomas Davis
Film/Television Impact: “God’s Not Dead”
Book Impact: “You’ll Get Through This,” Max Lucado
WATCH NOW: 2014 K-LOVE Fan Awards Song of the Year
2015
for KING & COUNTRY took home an unprecedented three awards at the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year trophy. The duo appeared alongside other fan favorites like MercyMe, Crowder, Francesca Battistelli, Chris Tomlin, Hawk Nelson, Lauren Daigle, and many more, throughout nearly four hours of incredible performances and exciting winner announcements at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House. Fan votes across 11 categories helped build homes in Haiti in partnership with the Hands & Feet Project.
Hosted by Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Kirk Cameron, the 3rd annual K-LOVE Fan Awards served as the grand finale to a weekend filled with events. The Ultimate Fan Experience began with a concert headlined by TobyMac, Newsboys, Matthew West, Matt Maher and Sidewalk Prophets. Fans ran alongside celebrities in a 5K for Hands & Feet bright and early Saturday morning. Meanwhile, others attended a special breakfast benefiting “Sports Spectrum” magazine, which honored the family of Cody Zeller. That evening featured an intimate Songwriters Showcase, hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman. Sunday Morning Worship was led by Third Day and Kari Jobe. In between special concerts and events, attendees were treated to the popular K-LOVE Fan Zone, which boasted a variety of fan-focused activities from celebrity basketball games and autograph sessions to exclusive performances.
2015 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Male Artist of the Year: Chris Tomlin
Female Artist of the Year: Francesca Battistelli
Group/Duo of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Song of the Year: “We Believe,” Newsboys
Worship Song of the Year: “How Can It Be,” Lauren Daigle
Best Live Show: for KING & COUNTRY
Sports Impact: Benjamin Watson
Film/Television Impact: “A.D. The Bible Continues”
Book Impact: “The Best Yes,” Lysa TerKeurst
WATCH NOW: 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards Artist of the Year
2016
Hosted by Matthew West and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, the 2016 K-LOVE Fan Awards opened with a surprise performance from NEEDTOBREATHE, who debuted their brand-new song “Happiness” in advance of their next studio project, “HARD LOVE.” Switchfoot and Passion also graced the K-LOVE Fan Awards stage for the first time, and Jeremy Camp and Francesca Battistelli were among the evening’s presenters. Meanwhile, Lauren Daigle took home her first Artist of the Year trophy.
While Pepsi Mid-America served as the title sponsor of the K-LOVE Fan Awards from 2013-2015, starting in 2016, Coca-Cola Consolidated became the presenting sponsor. In addition, that same year, the K-LOVE Fan Awards won two regional EMMY® Awards for Lighting and Set Design.
2016 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle
Male Artist of the Year: Danny Gokey
Female Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle
Group/Duo of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Best Live Show: for KING & COUNTRY
Song of the Year: “Good, Good Father,” Chris Tomlin
Worship Song of the Year: “Holy Spirit,” Francesca Battistelli
Breakout Single: “Tell Your Heart To Beat Again,” Danny Gokey
Best Lyric: “Grace Wins,” Matthew West
Sports Impact: Adam LaRoche
Film/Television Impact: “War Room”
Book Impact: “Sacred Marriage,” Gary Thomas
WATCH NOW: 2016 K-LOVE Fan Awards Artist of the Year
2017
2017 marked five years of giving God the glory with the 5th anniversary of the K-LOVE Fan Awards. Matthew West and Elisabeth Hasselbeck once again co-hosted the star-studded evening. Danny Gokey kicked off the festivities with a high-energy performance followed by appearances from other fan favorites, including Jeremy Camp, Britt Nicole, Hawk Nelson, Kari Jobe, Jesus Culture and many more. for KING & COUNTRY ended the night extending their reign as the most-awarded act in K-LOVE Fan Awards history after snagging three more trophies in 2017 for Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year and Song of the Year (“Priceless”).
For the first time ever, the K-LOVE Fan Awards hit the big screen for a one-night-only Fathom Event at select movie theaters nationwide. Furthermore, in 2017 K-LOVE partnered with the Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) to aid veterans and their loved ones. For every 500,000 votes cast, K-LOVE assisted MWSF in placing a combat wounded hero or Gold Star spouse into a newly-renovated, mortgage-free home.
2017 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Male Artist of the Year: Danny Gokey
Female Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle
Group/Duo of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Song of the Year: “Priceless,” for KING & COUNTRY
Worship Song of the Year: “The Lion & The Lamb,” Big Daddy Weave
Breakout Single: “Chain Breaker,” Zach Williams
Sports Impact: Ben Zobrist
Film/Television Impact: “The Case For Christ”
Book Impact: “Through The Eyes of a Lion,” Levi Lusko
WATCH NOW: 2017 K-LOVE Fan Awards Group/Duo of the Year
2018
2018 was a year of firsts for the K-LOVE Fan Awards. The award show — co-hosted by Matthew West and Mandisa — was televised for the first time. The 2018 broadcast was also awarded three Midsouth Regional EMMYs® in the categories of Special Event Coverage, Special Event Director and Special Event Lighting Design. Additionally, Cory Asbury won his first two Fan Awards, thanks to massive smash “Reckless Love.” Moreover, following 14 career nominations, MercyMe took home their first K-LOVE Fan Award…and their second…and their third…and their fourth (but who’s counting?). It’s safe to say the hitmakers swept the 6th annual awards ceremony, winning Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, Song of the Year for “Even If” and Film Impact for “I Can Only Imagine.” In addition, the award winners performed the movie’s title inspiration with country recording artist and actor Trace Adkins, which proved to be one of the night’s many outstanding collaborations.
Tauren Wells and Natalie Grant also joined forces for a tribute to the power of prayer. Francesca Battistelli united with Asbury for a special rendition of his fan-voted Worship Song of the Year and Breakout Single of the Year. Matt Maher, Jason Crabb and The New Respects brought “What A Friend” to life, together on stage. The Newsboys reunited with former members Peter Furler and Phil Joel for an epic singalong. for KING & COUNTRY brought “Joy.” all the way from The Netherlands, and Matthew West honored Billy Graham with “All In.”
2018 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: MercyMe
Male Artist of the Year: TobyMac
Female Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle
Group/Duo of the Year: MercyMe
Song of the Year: “Even If,” MercyMe
Worship Song of the Year: “Reckless Love,” Cory Asbury
Breakout Single: “Reckless Love,” Cory Asbury
Sports Impact: Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl Champions
Film/Television Impact: “I Can Only Imagine”
Book Impact: “Street God,” Dimas Salaberrios
WATCH NOW: 2018 K-LOVE Fan Awards Artist of the Year
2019
Matthew West and Mandisa returned as co-hosts for the 2019 K-LOVE Fan Awards, which once again aired across TBN stations and the TBB app, making the show available to fans around the world. Two of the night’s biggest winners opened and closed the show with unforgettable performances. Group/Duo of the Year winners for KING & COUNTRY jumpstarted the evening with a creative rendition of megawatt single “God Only Knows,” which surprisingly beat Lauren Daigle’s unstoppable juggernaut, “You Say,” for Song of the Year honors. Meanwhile, following emotional acceptance speeches for Artist of the Year and Female Artist of the Year, Daigle concluded the evening’s celebrations with a two-fold performance of “Look Up Child” and “You Say.”
Additional highlights of the night included We Are Messengers winning the first award of their career and appearances from Kathie Lee Gifford, Danny Gokey, Rebecca St. James and The Kendrick Brothers’ Alex Kendrick. The award show followed a full weekend of fan-fueled activities, including the returning Run For Love 5K and loads of artist/fan interactions.
2019 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle
Male Artist of the Year: Danny Gokey
Female Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle
Group/Duo of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Song of the Year: “God Only Knows,” for KING & COUNTRY
Worship Song of the Year: “Who You Say I Am,” Brooke Ligertwood
Breakout Single: “Maybe It’s Ok,” We Are Messengers
Sports Impact: Joe Gibbs
Film/Television Impact: “Unplanned”
Book Impact: “The Rock, The Road, and The Rabbi,” Kathie Lee Gifford with Rabbi Jason Sobel
WATCH NOW: 2019 K-LOVE Fan Awards Artist of the Year
2021
Following a cancelled show in 2020 due to the global pandemic, fans returned in spades to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House for the 2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards to celebrate the joy of simply being together. The night was worth the wait! Matthew West flew solo for the first time, emceeing the evening’s ceremonies for the sixth time. While perennial favorites for KING & COUNTRY, Lauren Daigle and Zach Williams all added trophies to their mantle, Michael W. Smith, CAIN and John Cooper (Skillet) all walked away first-time winners.
In addition to the 10 trophies presented throughout the night, the 2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards boasted two hours of show-stopping performances and one-of-a-kind collaborations. Crowder opened the broadcast with a high-energy rendition of his No. 1 hit, “Good God Almighty.” Other notable moments included performances from new acts like We The Kingdom, Andrew Ripp and CAIN. Additionally, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Elevation Worship’s Chris Brown took the stage for an all-star finale of “The Blessing.”
2021 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Male Artist of the Year: Zach Williams
Female Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle
Group/Duo of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Song of the Year: “There Was Jesus,” Zach Williams (feat. Dolly Parton)
Worship Song of the Year: “Waymaker,” Michael W. Smith
Breakout Single: “Rise Up (Lazarus),” CAIN
Sports Impact: Scott Drew
Film/Television Impact: “The Chosen”
Book Impact: “Awake & Alive To Truth,” John Cooper
WATCH NOW: 2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards Breakout Single
2022
The 9th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards lit up Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House on Sunday, May 29, 2022, with a talented crop of nominees, a stacked lineup of performances and a capacity crowd of enthusiastic fans. for KING & COUNTRY held fast to their title as the most-awarded artist in Fan Awards history, picking up three new trophies at the yearly ceremony and upping their career tally to 16. Breakout acts Anne Wilson and Katy Nichole also graced the K-LOVE Fan Awards stage for the first time and both walked away with respective statuettes. In addition, Matthew West was awarded Male Artist of the Year — a long-overdue honor for the seven-time K-LOVE Fan Awards host. In the non-music brackets, Sadie Robertson Huff took home the inaugural trophy in the brand new Podcast of the Year category for her popular podcast, “WHOA That’s Good.” Furthermore, first-time co-host Tauren Wells, Maverick City Music, CeCe Winans and Blanca were among the outstanding nominees who performed.
The 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards was the culmination of a flurry of fan-focused activities that spanned the length of the weekend. Leading up to the star-studded night, artists and fans mingled during live interview sessions hosted by K-LOVE DJs Skip & Amy, Scott & Kelli and Lauree throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. Moreover, fans were treated to live concerts, special showcases, morning worship and a podcast taping, among other exclusive events.
2022 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Male Artist of the Year: Matthew West
Female Artist of the Year: Anne Wilson
Group/Duo of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Song of the Year: “For God Is With Us,” for KING & COUNTRY
Worship Song of the Year: “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” Katy Nichole
Breakout Single: “My Jesus,” Anne Wilson
Sports Impact: Tim Tebow
Film/Television Impact: “American Underdog”
Book Impact: “The Way of the Father,” Michael W. Smith
Podcast of the Year: “WHOA That’s Good,” Sadie Robertson Huff
WATCH NOW: 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards Song of the Year
