The 8th annual 2021 K-Love Fan awards premiered for the first time Friday June 4 at 7 for a packed audience at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville as the top and most beloved songs received the ultimate fan experience. Crowder was the first artist who brought down the house and raised praise with their hit, Good God Almighty.
The biggest night in Christian music was hosted once again by Matthew West, who did an impromptu song writing session called, “What A Year It’s Been” as he invited artist Tauren Wells to participate in the song. We the Kingdom worshiped live with “Child of God”. Male Artist of the Year was presented by Darren Mulligan from “We are Messengers” as he recognized the true reason for the music and that is to worship Jesus. Zach Williams humbly took the honor as he celebrated with the fans who celebrate Jesus.
Andrew Ripp performed the hit song “Jericho” as crowds praised together with hands lifted high. Emmy winning journalist, Paula Faris presented Female Artist of the Year to Lauren Daigle who accepted virtually as it was her mother’s birthday that she was celebrating.
Tauren Wells joined Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox as they performed his song, “Until Grace” in a pleasant complement to each other as they too praised God with their performance. Artist, Riley Clemmons presented Group of the Year to For King and Country.
Matthew West came back with another impromptu sing along, “Blessings” to keep the crowds on their feet and Casting Crowns continued the performances with their debut of “Scars of Heaven”.
Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox took the stage again to present break out single to Cain for “Rise Up”.
Elevation Worship led the audience to sing along with their song, “Graves Into Gardens”.
Michael W Smith was the next presenter as he awarded Book Impact of the Year to John Cooper for Awake and Alive To Truth. Mercyme performed next their song “Say I Won’t” and Matthew West performed the song “Truth Be Told” with Carly Pearce.
Danny Gokey performed alongside Evan Craft and the Christian Group Redimi2 as the poured out their hearts through song in both Spanish and English with “Be Alright- Love God, Love People”. Book nominee, Annie F. Downs presented the next award to “The Chosen” for Film and Television Impact. Cain brought the house with “Rise Up” which of course brought the entire audience to their feet. Then Zach Williams took the stage with his praise song, “Stand My Ground”. The Chosen director, Dallas Jenkins and actor Jonathan Roumie took the stage next as they presented the next award to Michael W. Smith for “Waymaker” as worship song of the year.
Cory Ashbury led the audience to make the Opry house, the Father’s house as they sang “In The Father’s House”.
Matthew West came back to lead the audience in an impromptu, “Amazing Grace: My Chains Are Gone”. He also brought up the Sport Impact recipient for this year, Coach Scott Drew of the Bailor Bears.
Dante Bowe was the next perform as he brought a little reggae vibe with his song, “Joyful”.
Award winning artist, Charlotte Gambill joined the stage with Podcast host and artist Natalie Grant as they awarded Song of the Year, to Zach Williams for his song with Dolly Parton, “There Was Jesus”.
Matthew West as host awarded the final award of the night to For King and Country for Artist of the Year.
Kari Jobe and Cary Carnes closed the night with their hit song, “The Blessing” as artists Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Chris Brown joined in harmony.
The KLove Fan awards aired live on TBN and is currently streaming to rewatch here. The next K-Love Fan Awards is set for May 29, 2022 in Nashville as last year’s award ceremony was cancelled due to Covid. Congrats to all the winners and God Bless.