Christian music's biggest night is now just months away - and the race officially begins this week.
The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards are set for Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, and the voting process kicks off in just three days.
The first ballot opens June 25 and closes July 2, with GMA Professional Members determining the official nominees.
Those nominees will be publicly announced on July 29, setting the stage for the second ballot in August before winners are revealed live on the October 6 show.
This year's eligibility window covers music released between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026 - one of the strongest stretches Christian music has seen in years.
Based on that window, here are the names most likely to factor heavily when nominees are announced next month.
Brandon Lake enters this cycle as the defending Artist of the Year frontrunner after sweeping five Dove Awards at the 56th show, including Song of the Year for "Hard Fought Hallelujah" with Jelly Roll.
His King of Hearts album, his chart dominance through 2025-2026, and a massive arena tour all keep him firmly in contention.
Forrest Frank won Artist of the Year at the 56th show and remains a force, with Child of God II and continued chart presence well within the eligibility window.
Josiah Queen's "Can't Steal My Joy" - a three-week Christian Airplay No. 1 - is a strong Song of the Year contender, as is Phil Wickham's "What An Awesome God," which tied the all-time record for most weeks at No.
1 on the Mediabase Christian Impressions chart. TobyMac's "Heaven On My Mind" also hit No. 1 on both Billboard and Mediabase AC charts, making it a legitimate awards contender.
Leanna Crawford, who won New Artist of the Year at the 56th show, is positioned for a bigger nominations haul this cycle after a breakthrough year.
For fans who want the full experience, the Music City Fan Experience runs October 4-7 and includes a Night of Worship at the Ryman Auditorium, a New Artist Showcase, a Riverboat Lunch Cruise, and premium seating at the show itself.
Tickets are available now at doveawards.com.
Official nominees drop July 29. Mark your calendar.
Related Article: The 57th GMA Dove Awards Are Coming to Nashville: Here's Everything You Need to Know
