The 2026 GMA Dove Awards lineup just became considerably bigger-and the newly announced Richard Smallwood tribute could become one of the most talked-about moments of the entire evening.
The Gospel Music Association has revealed a second wave of performers and presenters for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, taking place October 6 at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Jamie MacDonald, Naomi Raine and Hulvey have joined the performance roster, but it is the all-star salute to gospel legend Richard Smallwood that is likely to have fans reaching for their phones.
Jonathan McReynolds, Kierra Sheard and Donald Lawrence will unite for the special tribute. They will be joined by Maurette Brown Clark and Ted Winn, both original members of Smallwood's acclaimed ensemble Vision, while Percy Bady will serve as musical director.
That combination brings together several generations of gospel royalty. Smallwood's sophisticated arrangements, classical influences and unforgettable compositions have shaped worship music for decades. Placing McReynolds, Sheard and Lawrence alongside members of Vision suggests the tribute will be more than a quick medley squeezed between awards-it has the potential to become the emotional centerpiece of the show.
The announcement also adds more familiar faces to the presenters' list. MercyMe frontman Bart Millard will appear alongside Terrian, CAIN, MORIAH, actress Jen Lilley, Kelontae Gavin and CalledOut.
They join a guest list that was already overflowing with Christian and gospel music favorites. Previously announced performers include Anne Wilson, Chosen Road, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tauren Wells and TobyMac. Anthony Brown, CeCe Winans, for KING + COUNTRY, Julie Chen Moonves, Karen Peck, Lisa Knowles-Smith and Sarai Rivera were earlier confirmed as presenters.
In other words, backstage at Bridgestone Arena may be nearly as interesting as what happens in front of the cameras. With contemporary Christian stars, gospel powerhouses, country-influenced newcomers and veteran performers all gathering under the same roof, the evening promises plenty of unexpected reunions, collaborations and camera-ready encounters.
This will be the Dove Awards' second consecutive year at Bridgestone Arena, confirming that Christian music's biggest awards celebration has settled comfortably into one of Nashville's most prominent venues.
The theme for the 2026 ceremony is "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 message emphasizes unity across the many sounds, traditions and communities represented within Christian and gospel music.
That theme feels especially appropriate for the Richard Smallwood tribute. Few artists have connected traditional gospel, contemporary worship, choral music and classical composition as effectively as Smallwood. Bringing together singers and musicians shaped by different corners of the gospel world provides a fitting picture of the unity the GMA hopes to celebrate.
The awards ceremony will be held October 6, with tickets currently on sale. The Music City Fan Experiences have already sold out, although fans hoping to attend in 2027 can join a waiting list.
Those unable to attend in Nashville will not have to wait long to see what happens. The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. The broadcast will also be simulcast on SiriusXM's The Message, with an encore scheduled for October 17.
The ceremony is produced by the Gospel Music Association in partnership with TPR. Jackie Patillo, Justin Fratt and Tauren Wells are serving as executive producers, with Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright producing. Russell E. Hall returns as director.
More performers may still be announced, but the GMA has already ensured that the 2026 Dove Awards will not be short on star power. And with Kierra Sheard, Jonathan McReynolds, Donald Lawrence and members of Vision honoring Richard Smallwood, gospel fans may already know which performance they cannot afford to miss.
