Last night, top Christian musicians, athletes, performers and authors were recognized at the 2nd annual K-LOVE Awards for their contributions to spreading the gospel through entertainment.
The show, held in Nashville, Tennessee at the Grand Ole Opry, was hosted by actress Candance Cameron Bure and musician Matthew West. Musical guests included MercyMe, Switchfoot, Tenth Avenue North, and Michael W.Smith, among others. Nominees were chosen by fans through the K-LOVE website or radio station.
Popular worship leader Chris Tomlin won "Best Male Artist," beating out Toby Mac and Jeremy Camp. Tomlin then performed his new single "Your Love is Like a Waterfall" and expressed his appreciation for the award via social media, tweeting, "Thank you @KLOVERadio and all the amazing fans who voted. Honored to be in the room tonite with such beautiful, gifted friends."
Pop artist Mandisa won both "Best Female Artist" and "Song of the Year" for her "Overcomer," a song the singer wrote to encourage both herself and herself to "persevere, hope, and keep faith."
The "Artist of the Year" award went to Casting Crowns, who competed against MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin and TobyMac. The "Group/Duo of the Year" award was presented to The Newsboys," and "Best Live Show" went to TobyMac.
"Thankful to receive the KLOVE fan award for Best Live Show! Big ups to the DiverseCity band and KLOVE," Mac tweeted after posting a photo of himself accepting the award on Instagram.
The hit faith-based film "God's Not Dead" won the "Film/Television Impact" award, beating out other box office successes like "Heaven is for Real" and "Son of God."
Carolina Panther's Linebacker Thomas Davis won the "Sports Impact" award. The football player is known for his outspoken Christian faith and commitment to spreading the gospel both on and off the football field.
Popular Christian author Max Lucado won the "Book Impact" award for his encouraging book, "You'll Get Through This."
The night ended with a powerful performance of "Oceans" by Hillsong United. The song won "Best Worship Song of the Year" earlier than evening.
After a night of music performances and worship, K-LOVE President and CEO Mike Novak summarized the occasion:
"Once again, the K-LOVE FAN AWARDS turned out to be far more than 'awards. We heard stories of GOD using music, movies, the printed word and the world of sports to touch His people and change lives forever. It's an honor and very humbling to be one of the ways He reaches His people."
