Forrest Frank Sparks Debate Within CCM after Declining Dove Awards Participation

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Forrest Frank's decision to no longer attend awards shows has ignited a debate within the Christian music industry, with some applauding his stance and others saying it misses the mark.

The Your Way's Better singer revealed this week on his Instagram that he would not be attending events such as the GMA Dove Awards or the Grammys, saying he doesn't want to "receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus, and for Jesus."

"I hope to be an example to the youth that the trophy is our salvation," he said in the video. "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?"

Frank's announcement came one day before the 2025 Dove Awards, where he had earned seven nominations, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year (Up! and Good Day). The Dove Awards will be broadcast Friday, Oct. 10, on TBN at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Eastern.

Frank said he posted the video because people had been asking him about his plans for the week.

"No, this is not a refusal to be a light in dark places…this is a refusal to go on stages and get awards," he said. "I already got the greatest award of all time. Hope y'all can understand, love you guys."

He won New Artist of the Year at the 2024 Dove Awards.

"Stay true to your convictions!!" legendary Christian artist CeCe Winans wrote on his timeline.

"I think you are setting an incredible example. Well done," the official We Are Messengers account said. "God has really got a hold of you, and it's beautiful to watch you stand for your convictions."

Other artists, though, pushed back, saying Frank's stance lacked nuance.

"I love your heart and boldness choosing eternal glory over temporary praise is powerful and deeply convicting," singer Jonathan Traylor wrote. "You're absolutely right, nothing compares to having our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and that should always be our greatest joy and what we're after. However, I believe it's also 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. God Himself often honored people for their faithfulness. Daniel, Joseph, and Esther, who were elevated in earthly roles, yet remained devoted to God. Their influence made space for His name to be known. Much love and respect to you bro. May we all have that same conviction and eternal focus. And let's also cheer for those who are using their platforms and moments of recognition to lift up the name of Christ."

Christian hip-hop artist Hulvey said he's seen the Doves serve as a platform to honor Christ and encourage artists.

"As a brother, I really do respect your heart on this and think that the Lord honors it & also think there's a space to have a different conviction on it! I also have been really impacted by previous Dove Award shows I've attended," Hulvey wrote. "When KB, For King & Country & TobyMac spoke, I genuinely have not been able to forget what they spoke about and the way it impacted my heart. Also, I experienced an incredible act of selflessness by TobyMac 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! Love you dawg for eternity!!!!!!!!"

Rhett Walker argued that if Frank doesn't want the recognition, then his team shouldn't submit his music.

"Here's the industry insider….You have to enter your songs or a record to be voted for months before. So… if you don't want it. Don't put your music up for voting. There's a massive industry that counts on loving on brothers and sisters for the Kingdom building they are doing. Stay out of it, if you're against it," Walker wrote. "To go against it, the day before, feels like clickbait. I would love to have a convo with @hiforrest. I would love to remind him that there are many that want to celebrate pushing the kingdom forward. I would love to remind him that we are not about the metals but the metals are a reminder of what God is doing."

Frank, in his full video, said his struggle with the concept of Dove Awards dates back to at least last year.

"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. "And as a Christian artist, I dress kind of like the world. I kind of look like the world. My music can kind of sound like the world. So where's the line in the sand drawn? And 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. And I was wrestling with this last year. I even said that on stage at the Dove Awards, 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. But 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. 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."

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

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