Christian music artist Forrest Frank has announced his decision to no longer attend music awards ceremonies, including the upcoming GMA Dove Awards and the Grammys. In a video statement, the singer explained that his personal faith convictions prevent him from accepting trophies for his work, stating that his ultimate reward is his salvation.
The announcement came just one day before the Dove Awards ceremony, where Frank is nominated for seven awards, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. He described his choice as a “stance of nonparticipation” rooted in his belief that recognition should be directed toward his faith, not himself.
Key Takeaways
- Christian singer Forrest Frank will no longer attend awards shows like the Dove Awards and the Grammys.
- He stated his conviction is that he cannot accept a trophy for something that is “from Jesus and for Jesus.”
- Frank is nominated for seven awards at this year's Dove Awards, including Artist of the Year.
- The decision was announced via a video posted to his TikTok account.
A Public Declaration of Principle
In a video shared on social media Monday, Forrest Frank detailed the reasoning behind his absence from the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards. The event is scheduled to take place Tuesday at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Frank framed his decision around the challenge of navigating worldly practices while maintaining his Christian identity.
“As Christians, it’s hard to know where the line in the sand is between being in the world and not of the world,” he said. Frank acknowledged that his style and music can sometimes align with secular trends, prompting him to define a clear boundary for himself.
“I’m convicted, personally, that a line that I can draw is that I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus.”
He revealed this was not a new struggle. He referenced his appearance at the previous year's Dove Awards, where he expressed similar reservations on stage. “I even said that on stage at the Dove Awards,” he recalled. “I said, ‘I’m still struggling with the concept of receiving this award, but all glory to Jesus, every name will fade away, including mine, except for one name.’”
This year, Frank explained he felt a need to take his conviction a step further, leading to his withdrawal from attending such events altogether. “I have decided to take a stance of nonparticipation,” he declared. “I will not be attending the Doves and the Grammys.”
Background on the Dove Awards
The GMA Dove Awards are presented annually by the Gospel Music Association of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry. It is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the genre, similar in stature to the Grammy Awards for mainstream music.
The Focus on a Different Trophy
Frank emphasized that his decision is intended to set an example, particularly for younger listeners. He wants to shift the focus from industry accolades to spiritual fulfillment. His message is that the true prize is not a physical object but a secure place in his faith.
“I hope to be an example to the youth that the trophy is our salvation,” he explained. “The trophy is that my name is listed in the Book of Life and I get to have eternal life. What good is a piece of metal going to do compared to that?”
In a caption accompanying the video, he clarified his position to avoid misinterpretation. He wrote, “This is not a refusal to be a light in dark places … this is a refusal to go on stages and get awards.” He reiterated his core belief by adding, “I already got the greatest award of all time.”
Multiple Nominations Amidst Withdrawal
Frank's decision is particularly notable given his significant presence in this year's Dove Awards nominations. His work is recognized across several major categories, highlighting his prominence in the Christian music scene over the past year.
Forrest Frank's 2025 Dove Award Nominations
The artist is a contender in seven categories:
- Artist of the Year
- Songwriter of the Year
- Song of the Year for “Good Day”
- Song of the Year for “Up!” (with Connor Price)
- Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Child of God
- Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for “Your way’s better”
- Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year for “Heaven on this Earth”
Because the final voting period for the awards concluded between August 7 and August 14, Frank's name remains on the ballot. This raises the possibility that he could still win one or more awards in his absence. With the exception of one collaborative nomination, all other potential awards are for his solo work.
The Broader Awards Landscape
The 56th annual Dove Awards will feature many of the top names in Christian and gospel music. Worship leader Brandon Lake leads the field with nine nominations. Other prominent artists nominated include CeCe Winans, Lauren Daigle, Phil Wickham, and Josiah Queen.
The ceremony will be hosted by artist and pastor Tauren Wells. According to the Gospel Music Association, the show will be broadcast on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and its TBN+ app on Friday, October 10. A simulcast will also be available on SiriusXM's The Message channel.
Frank's public withdrawal from the proceedings introduces a unique element to this year's event, placing a spotlight on the motivations and values that drive artists within the faith-based music industry.