An Exclusive Look at Tonight’s 2025 Dove Awards Red Carpet: Christian Stars Shine
'Woman’s World' joins Natalie Grant, Tamela Mann, Patricia Heaton and more, bringing faith and joy to Nashville’s big night
Fans will see all their favorite Christian artists come together tonight at the 56th annual Dove Awards. The star-studded event, presented by the Gospel Music Association, celebrates the best in Christian and gospel music and honors the artists who inspire listeners with faith-filled songs — ranging from worship to pop to rap to southern gospel.
Each year, the event brings the Christian music community together in a joyful expression of unity and praise.
This year, the red carpet was rolled out at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, where Woman’s World caught up with many of the nominees and some of the hottest names in Christian music.
Natalie Grant & Patricia Heaton on why we need hope more than ever
Woman’s World cover girl, Natalie Grant, feels blessed to be part of something bigger than herself and make such a difference in other people’s lives. “I think about every moment that I actually get to see someone who has been touched by the music,” says the beloved singer and songwriter. “I used to sing in a hairbrush, and now it’s real life, you know? But the message in this music actually has the power to change people’s lives. It gives them hope, it gives them an anchor. And I think that knowing that is why you can wake up and put your feet on the floor every day. You know that you’re a part of something that’s becoming an anchor of hope for someone.”
Emmy-winning actress and producer Patricia Heaton agrees. “The world has gotten really crazy, and there’s so many terrible things that have been happening. People are really looking for some sanity and security,” she says. “They’re looking for the good in a lot of the evil that we’re seeing. We’ve seen an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the world right now because people are really searching and God is calling them to Him.”
Host Tauren Wells on joy and unity
The host for the evening and singer, songwriter and pastor, Tauren Wells, told Woman’s World, “Sometimes we feel like joy is out of reach because of our circumstances, and the truth is, Jesus has made real, genuine, deep, overflowing joy available for every single person. We just have to go to the right source.”
Adrienne Bailon-Houghton brings style to the stage
Many of the night’s performers walked the carpet and were buzzing with the energy and excitement of getting to bring their creations to the stage. “Having a relationship with God is so much fun!” says actress and singer Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, who is performing with Israel & New Breed and Unified Sound. “There’s so much joy in walking with Him. So I feel like we’re going to bring joy to that stage tonight. You’re going to see that. We’re out here just bearing fruit.”
Autumn Nelon Streetman’s inspiring tribute to her family
As for Autumn Nelon Streetman, this is her first time at the Dove Awards without her family. Her parents, Jason and Kelly Nelon and her sister, Amber and brother-in-law, Nathan, were among the victims of a plane crash in July 2024. The Nelons are nominated for Southern Gospel Album, and Autumn says, “When I was with my family, I never had to talk. I was always the shy one. So, all of this is so new to me, but God has really shown me over the last year and a half that I can do more than what I think,” she reflects with a smile.
“You know, I think the devil just tries to get in your mind and to discourage you. But God has really given me the strength. He’s placed a legacy in my lap, and a good legacy. I’m going to do my best to just carry that legacy on and honor them.”
Many of the stars in attendance have been in the Christian music industry for years, and they still remain hopeful that their music is spreading hope and joy to listeners. Woman’s World cover girl, Tamela Mann, who will be performing, says, “I want to leave hope. That’s my legacy, that I was able to uplift and encourage someone to come to Jesus. Because that’s what it’s all about for me. It’s winning as many souls as I can for the kingdom of God, and even to people that I don’t know — to just bring some joy to you.”
Natalie Grant on family and legacy
Like Tamela, who has been making music for over 30 years, Natalie Grant has also been around since 1997. “My husband and I were literally just figuring this out. Our very first photo we ever took together was at the Dove Awards in 1998. It was a Polaroid that we still have in a frame at home,” she grins.
“I just think all these years later — 28 Dove Awards later — and we’re still here with family and friends. We’re celebrating the new work, the new creativity, and we’re championing them. This is a family reunion tonight. It’s a joy to champion and cheer one another on.”
Where to watch the 2025 Dove Awards
Don’t miss the star-studded event tonight with powerful performances by CeCe Winans, Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, Elevation Worship, for King + Country, Lauren Daigle, Tamela Mann, Lecrae, Josiah Queen, Lady A, Steven Curtis Chapman, Vince Gill and more!
The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app on Friday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message.
Where to find the winners
For the full list of winners after the ceremony, check the Dove Awards website.
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