NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 16, 2026) The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced the second round of performers and presenters set to take the stage at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, taking place October 6, 2026, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. There will be a special tribute honoring the late recording artist Richard Smallwoodwho passed away last December. The performance will feature Jonathan McReynolds, Kierra Sheard and Donald Lawrence, as well as original members of Richard Smallwood’s acclaimed ensemble Vision such as Maurette Brown Clark, Ted Winn, Charisse Nelson-McIntosh, Byron Nichols and Sharon Orr. Gifted musician Percy Bady, who co-wrote the platinum classic “I Believe I Can Fly,” will serve as musical director. Smallwood is known for composing modern-day church standards such as “Total Praise,” “I Love the Lord,” and “Center of My Joy” with Bill & Gloria Gaither.
Other newly announced performers include Jamie MacDonald (currently riding the Billboard Christian Airplay Top 10 chart with “Ain’t No Way”), worship leader Naomi Raine, and rapper Hulvey. The second round of presenters includes Bart Millard of multi-platinum-selling band MercyMe, Terrian, CAIN, M
This new lineup joins the previously confirmed performers Anne Wilson, Chosen Road, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tauren Wells and TobyMac, as well as presenters and industry icons Anthony Brown, CeCe Winans, for KING + COUNTRY, Big Brother’s Julie Chen Moonves, Karen Peck, Lisa Knowles-Smith and Sarai Rivera.
Now in its second consecutive year at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the annual celebration will bring together artists, songwriters, producers and leaders from across the Christian and Gospel music community under this year’s theme, “Together For One,” inspired by Colossians 3:14: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” The evening will celebrate the many voices, gifts and expressions of faith united through music.
The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held October 6th, 2026, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are currently on sale HERE. While Music City Fan Experiences are now sold out, fans interested in attending in 2027 can join the waiting list now. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app Friday, October 9th, 2026, at 7:30pm and 10pm ET and will be simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. An encore presentation will air on TBN and the TBN+ app Friday, October 17th, at 7:30pm and 10pm ET.
To download images of this year’s performers, click here. To download images of this year’s presenters, click here. For official social media assets, click HERE. Logos for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards are located HERE. For the complete list of nominees visit doveawards.com.
The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association in partnership with TPR. Jackie Patillo, Justin Fratt and Tauren Wells serve as executive producers, Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, and Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.
About Gospel Music Association & Foundation:
Since 1964, the Gospel Music Association has existed to expose, promote and celebrate the Gospel through music, believing a song can carry that message as far and as wide as any sermon. The GMA serves the Christian music community by equipping artists and industry professionals at every stage of their calling through education, advocacy and connection. The organization also honors the legacy of those who paved the way while championing the next generation of creators carrying the Gospel forward. Through broadcasts like the GMA Dove Awards, now in its 57th year, the GMA puts that mission on stage, celebrating excellence across the Christian music genre while reaching millions around the world with music that points to Christ.
For more information about the Gospel Music Association, visit www.gospelmusic.org. Join the GMA social communities on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About TBN:
TBN is the World’s Most Watched Faith Network®, reaching over 175 nations with inspirational programming 24 hours a day in 17 languages and on over 30 global partner networks. TBN continues to lead the way in expanding the impact of faith-based television across the earth through the creation of uplifting content designed to inspire all demographics, including sermons, worship music specials, talk shows, documentaries, and Christian films.
Get Connected with the 2026 GMA Dove Awards:
*Watch exclusively on TBN or the TBN+ app starting Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET – find out more HERE.
