Forrest Frank’s withdrawal from Dove Awards prompts debate on role of accolades 

One of Christian music’s top artists pulled out of the Dove Awards less than 24 hours before the event this week, sparking debate within the industry about not only the show’s purpose but the role of awards in general. 

Forrest Frank made the announcement on his Instagram Monday, just one day before Christian music’s biggest awards show was set to tape. The Dove Awards took place Tuesday and will air on TBN Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern. 

Frank received nominations in seven categories this year, including Song of the Year (Good Day and Up!), Songwriter of the Year and the top award, Artist of the Year. 

The popular singer began the video noting, “It’s hard to know where the line in the sand is between being in the world and not of the world.” 

“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,” Frank said in the video, adding that he was uncomfortable at the 2024 Dove Awards when he won New Artist of the Year and felt undeserving. During his speech last year, Frank said he considered skipping that event, too, but ultimately decided to attend. 

Frank’s impassioned 2024 speech went viral, as he reminded the audience that his name “will fade away” but Jesus’ name will remain for eternity. 

“I feel a conviction to go even a step further and say, I don’t know if I even want to step on the stage,” he said in this week’s video. “I don’t know if I want to step in the room. And so I have decided to take a stance of non-participation. I will not be attending the Doves or the Grammys. 

“I hope to be an example to the youth that the trophy is our salvation. 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?” 

For Frank to be eligible for the Doves – or any major awards show – he or his team had to submit his name for consideration, making his decision not to participate all the more striking. That point was raised in the comments on his Instagram post, with one person noting: “A super clean way to do this is simply not submit your music.” It remains to be seen whether Frank will continue submitting his music to award shows but skip attending, or make a clean break altogether.  

Multiple artists who have collaborated with Frank over the last three years, including Josiah Queen and Hulvey, attended this week’s Dove Awards. 

Hulvey, a Christian hip-hop artist, said he respected Frank’s opinion but believes there’s “space to have a different conviction on it.” Hulvey received two nominations for the 2025 Dove Awards and said he has been “impacted by previous Dove Award shows I’ve attended.” 

“When KB, For King & Country & Toby Mac spoke I genuinely have not been able to forget what they spoke about and the way it impacted my heart,” Hulvey wrote, referencing past shows. “Also, I experienced an incredible act of selflessness by Toby Mac that he did for me at The Doves! I see the Doves as an opportunity as a beautiful reunion among Christian artists. I respect your decision not to go but wanted to shine light on why I’m going and others maybe too!” 

Other commenters said the Doves are an important showcase for Christian music and a way for fans – and even unbelievers – to discover new artists. 

Singer Jonathan Traylor asserted it’s “okay to celebrate earthly accomplishments when they reflect the gifts God has given us and the impact for His Kingdom.” 

“If our hearts are postured to give God glory, even an award can be an altar of praise, not a pedestal of pride,” Traylor wrote.  

On Thursday, singer Rhett Walker shared a video expressing grief over the debate surrounding the Doves as well as broader controversies in CCM. 

“I love to go to these awards and celebrate my friends – and I think every award that they win is showing an impact here on earth for the Kingdom,” said Walker, who was nominated for one Dove Award this year. 

Walker concluded his video by urging the body of Christ to find a resolution and spend their energy advancing the gospel. 

“Let’s bring back peace,” he said. “Let’s bring back light to a dark world on our Instagram, and not be about clickbait, but be about pointing people to Jesus. … Let’s go tell the world about Jesus.”