Music is a universal language.

I’ve always heard this phrase. And other corny sayings like “when words fail, music speaks.” (Hans Christian Andersen said that by the way, I guess you learn something new every day.)

Music makes us feel something. And if you don’t believe that, go and watch a movie. There have been tons of studies on how music or music in movies can make us feel a specific emotion. To me, this makes worship so much cooler because God created us as humans to have emotions, and when we worship Him we feel His presence and peace.

Singing is mentioned over 400 times in the Bible. Most of these are specific instructions to sing, listed in the psalms. But anyway, why am I saying any of this?

These artists are following that call to sing to the Lord. Isn’t it awesome that these songs and artists who glorify God can be recognized worldwide in something like the Billboard Music Awards? That’s exciting.

Let’s celebrate some music from this year and list out some of these incredible Christian artists. What do you think about this list? Comment down below ⬇️

1. Brandon Lake

Brandon Lake was nominated as a finalist in BBMA’s Top Christian Album, Top Christian Artist, and Top Christian Song for this song, Gratitude. This specific video has over 20 million views. Brandon Lake has been on tour with Phil Wickham this year and won Artist of the Year at the 2023 Dove Awards.

2. for KING + COUNTRY

for KING + COUNTRY was nominated as a finalist for Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Song. They did a live performance with Jordin Sparks for the 2023 Dove Awards. Joel Smallbone is making his acting debut in Journey to Bethlehem, a Christmas musical. In 2024, they will be releasing a movie about their family called “Unsung Hero.”

3. CeCe Winans

Cece Winans has been nominated as a finalist for Top Gospel Artist and Top Gospel Song. CeCe Winans has been on tour with Todd Dulaney and Jenn Johnson this year. The video version of her rendition of “Goodness of God” currently has over 57 million views.

4. Anne Wilson

Anne Wilson was nominated for Top Christian Album with her album “My Jesus.” Her single “My Jesus” became RIAA-certified Platinum this year. This specific video has 37 million views. She just released her new album ‘Rebel: The Beginning.’

5. CAIN

CAIN has been nominated as a finalist for Top Christian Album with their album ‘Rise Up.’ They just released a new album this year called “Jesus Music.” They’ve been on tour with Katy Nichole, and they are featured on Casting Crowns anniversary album. This specific video of “I’m So Blessed” from their album has 6.9 million views.

6. Lauren Daigle

Lauren Daigle has been nominated as a finalist for Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album for her self-titled album, and Top Christian Song, “Thank God I Do.” Lauren Daigle went on her Kaledeiscope Tour with Blessing Offor and Ellie Holcomb this year. This specific video has over 8 million views.

7. Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin has been nominated as finalist for Top Gospel Album and featured on Top Gospel Album for “Kingdom Book One” with Maverick City Music and Top Gospel Song “Fear is Not My Future” with. Brandon Lake and Maverick City. Kirk Franklin released his album “Father’s Day” accompanied with a documentary telling the amazing and raw story behind the album.

8. Elevation Worship

Elevation Worship has been nominated for Top Christian Artist, Top Gospel Artist, Top Christian Album, and Top Gospel Song for this song “More Than Able.” This specific video has over 11 million views. They actually won a Dove Award for their album “LION: Live From The Loft.”

9. Maverick City Music

Maverick City Music has been nominated for Top Gospel Artist, Top Gospel Album, and twice as features for Top Gospel Song. They have been on tour this year and have released their album “The Maverick Way Complete” with tons of collaborations like Cody Carnes and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. This specific video has over 3 million views.

10. Phil Wickham

Phil Wickham has been nominated as a finalist for Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Song for this song, “This Is Our God.” Phil Wickham went on tour with Brandon Lake this year and released his new album “I Believe.” This specific video has over 6 million views. And just for fun, he released a song “Just Too Good” as a surprise gift for his wife for their 15th anniversary.

“Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.” | Psalms 95:1-2 (NLT)

Winners

Top Christian Artist- Lauren Daigle

Top Christian Song – “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake

Top Christian Album – “My Jesus” by Anne Wilson

Top Gospel Artist – Kayne West

Top Gospel Song – “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans

Top Gospel Album – Kingdom Book I by Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music

All the Winners & Nominees for the 54th Annual Dove Awards