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.
WATCH NOW: 2013 K-LOVE Fan Awards Highlights
2013 K-LOVE Fan Award Winners
Artist of the Year: TobyMac
Propelled by the popularity of chart-topping hit “Me Without You,” TobyMac was the first K-LOVE mainstay to take home Artist of the Year honors in the history of the K-LOVE Fan Awards. The fan favorite, who was a three-time nominee in 2013, also kickstarted the show with the Platinum-certified hit — the lead single from his acclaimed fifth studio album, “Eye On It.”
WATCH NOW: TobyMac, 2013 Artist of the Year
Male Artist of the Year: Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin was up for two awards at the inaugural fan-voted ceremony. The renowned worship leader ended up winning the first award of the night for Male Artist of the Year on the strength of Song of the Year contender “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)” from 2013’s “Burning Lights.” Tomlin and his wife, Lauren, would go on to launch a non-profit in 2018 called Angel Armies, titled after the popular track. The organization was later renamed For Others and, today, continues the Tomlins’ mission of aiding the foster care crisis in underserved communities across America.
Female Artist of the Year: Kari Jobe
Fans voted Kari Jobe the first ever Female Artist of the Year. In 2013, Jobe was just coming into her own, gaining more radio play and melding pop melodies with her original worship lyrics. Just months prior, the songstress had walked the red carpet as a first-time GRAMMY® nominee. At the 1st annual K-LOVE Fan Awards, she performed “Your Great Name” alongside fellow powerhouse vocalist Natalie Grant.
WATCH NOW: Kari Jobe, 2013 Female Artist of the Year
Group/Duo of the Year: Casting Crowns
As one of the bestselling acts in Christian music, it’s no surprise that Casting Crowns snagged the first golden ‘K’ awarded to a Group or Duo. Also nominated for Artist of the Year in 2013, the seasoned collective took to the K-LOVE Fan Awards stage to deliver a moving rendition of “Jesus, Friend of Sinners.”
WATCH NOW: Casting Crowns, 2013 Group/Duo of the Year
Breakthrough Artist of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY
Winning the first of their 16 K-LOVE Fan Awards to date, for KING & COUNTRY was named the 2013 Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Additionally, the duo gave fans a glimpse into their dynamic live show with a theatrical rendition of “The Proof of Your Love” from their 2012 debut, which formally introduced listeners to Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone.
WATCH NOW: for KING & COUNTRY, 2013 Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Song of the Year: “Redeemed,” Big Daddy Weave
Big Daddy Weave’s “Redeemed” quickly become one of the beloved band’s signature offerings as the single’s lyrics about identity and self-love resonated with listeners far and wide. Fans voted the poignant track from 2012’s “Love Come to Life” the first Song of the Year. Moreover, the band graced the iconic Ryman stage for a powerful live version of the No. 1 hit, which spent numerous weeks atop multiple Christian charts.
WATCH NOW: Big Daddy Weave, 2013 Song of the Year
Sports Impact: Mike Fisher
NHL star Mike Fisher was the first Sports Impact recipient, emphasizing the K-LOVE Fan Awards’ mission to celebrate excellence across all sectors of Christian entertainment. The Canadian-born athlete spent a good portion of his career playing for the Ottawa Senators before eventually being traded to the Nashville Predators, where he became team captain. In 2012, the now longtime Tennessee resident was awarded the NHL Foundation Player Award, given to an NHL player who applies the core values of hockey to enrich the lives of people in their community. Fisher and his wife, country superstar Carrie Underwood, both remain vocal about their faith.
WATCH NOW: Mike Fisher, 2013 Sports Impact
Film/Television Impact: “Courageous”
The Kendrick Brothers’ fourth feature film, “Courageous,” won the first Film/Television Impact award. In the fall of 2011, the movie premiered in more than 1,000 theaters nationwide and become the No. 1 new movie opening weekend despite the fact it was filmed outside of Hollywood without a single award-winning actor. Altogether, “Courageous” lasted 17 weeks in theaters and was seen by more than 5 million people, grossing over $34.5 million in ticket sales.
Book Impact: “The Love Dare,” Alex Kendrick & Stephen Kendrick
In addition to winning the Film/Television Impact award, the Kendrick Brothers took home the trophy for the inaugural Book Impact award for their “New York Times” bestseller, “The Love Dare.” With more than 5 million copies sold by 2013, “The Love Dare” served as the major plot driver in the duo’s popular movie, “Fireproof.”
WATCH NOW: Alex Kendrick, 2013 Book & Movie Impact
Don’t miss the 2023 K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend, May 26-28, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Visit klovefanawards.com for more info.
