Should gospel artists care about winning mainstream music awards?

It is an interesting question, especially as gospel music continues to receive more attention. The Headies, for example, has a Best Inspirational Single category where gospel artists are nominated alongside other inspirational acts.

And yes, awards are good. They can acknowledge hard work and celebrate excellence. There is nothing inherently wrong with receiving recognition.

But should that recognition become the focus? The purpose of gospel music is not simply to produce the song with the biggest numbers, win the biggest award or become the biggest trend. Gospel music exists to point people to Christ, encourage believers and edify the Church.

So, can an award tell us which gospel song is the best? Not at all. A song may win an award because it performed exceptionally well commercially or received enough votes from the public. But those are not necessarily the same things that make a song spiritually effective. We cannot use the world’s measurements of success as the ultimate standard for what God considers fruitful.

Forrest Frank’s decision in 2025 brought this conversation into sharper focus. He announced that he would stop attending the Dove Awards and Grammys because he personally felt uncomfortable receiving trophies for music he considers to be “from Jesus and for Jesus.” He said his ultimate reward was salvation and eternal life, not a piece of metal.

What happens when an artist begins to measure success by applause?

What happens when going viral becomes more important than remaining consecrated? When winning becomes more important than obedience? When artists begin changing their sound, message or convictions simply because that is what the industry rewards?

A trophy is recognition before men. But ultimately, we want recognition before God.

Whether the song wins an award, goes viral or reaches only a few people, the greater question remains: Is God pleased with it, and is He using it to bless people?

Perhaps that is the standard gospel music should never lose sight of.