Brandon Lake swept the 13th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards, winning the night’s biggest awards and delivering a passionate message urging believers to take their faith beyond the walls of the church.
The 35-year-old “Hard Fought Hallelujah” singer received both Male Artist of the Year and the night’s top honor, Artist of the Year, at the awards show held on May 24 at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House.
“There is a reason why the secular space is looking at ours, and they’re taking note,” Lake told the audience. “God is raising up new Davids. God is doing something really beautiful in our nation, so don’t buy the lie. Even though there’s craziness going on out there, the darker that it gets, the brighter your light is going to shine.”
He challenged Christian artists and creatives to step into spaces where faith is less visible.
“If the rooms you’re in are really bright, find a new room,” Lake said. “If you carry the light of Christ inside of you, go find a room that’s a little darker, because the world needs you. They need your story.”
The artist, who has collaborated with mainstream artists including Jelly Roll and Nick Jonas, said that, as he’s spent time with influential figures in entertainment, he’s found that many people are searching for truth.
“You just would never believe how hungry people are for the truth,” he said. “There’s so many that are this close.”
“Go across the street, go across the country,” the “Gratitude” singer added. “Listen, I’m going to be that guy that stays in the Church, but I will never stop moving towards the lost. That’s what I’m about. That’s what I’m doing. That’s what you’re going to see.”
The fan-voted awards show was hosted by Grammy Award-winning artist Lauren Daigle and author and podcaster Sadie Robertson Huff and aired on Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Other major winners included CeCe Winans, who was named Female Artist of the Year.
“Thank You, Jesus. My heart is so full. I am truly honored to receive Female Artist of the Year at the K-LOVE Fan Awards. I do not take it lightly that God allows me to keep singing of His goodness, His faithfulness, and His love,” Winans wrote on social media following the event.
MercyMe took home Group of the Year honors, and emerging artist Emerson Day earned Breakout Single of the Year for “Get Behind Me.”
“The only thing we take from this world to Heaven is the ability to worship,” Millard said upon accepting the award.
Robertson Huff received Podcast of the Year, while Anne Wilson won Book Impact for Hey Girl.
“I wanted to create something for girls, middle school, high school, who need to know who they are in Christ,” Wilson previously told CP of her book. “The Bible can feel intimidating, and I wanted this to be a resource they can relate to.”
The Sports Impact Award went to Coach RAC of the Savannah Bannanas for his influence on young athletes and families through sports and digital media.
In the entertainment categories, “House of David” received Television/Streaming Impact of the Year, while “I Can Only Imagine 2” won Film Impact of the Year.
Music awards also recognized Jamie MacDonald’s “Left it in the River” as Song of the Year and Phil Wickham’s “Homesick for Heaven” as Worship Song of the Year.
The evening featured performances from a wide range of Christian artists, including Lauren Daigle, MercyMe, Elevation Worship, Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Zach Williams, Anne Wilson, Ben Fuller, Chandler Moore, Katy Nichole, Leanna Crawford, Hope Darst and Terrian. The event also included a debut performance from the K-LOVE Kids.
Presenters and special guests included Shannon Bream, John Crist, Michael Iskander, Levi Lusko and Jonathan Roumie, along with appearances from Josh Baldwin, Blanca, Caleb & John, Colton Dixon, Jenn Johnson, Rachael Lampa, Tasha Layton, David Leonard, Patrick Mayberry, Jon Reddick, Kristian Stanfill and Megan Woods.
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]
