Country Music’s headquarters blasted the sounds of contemporary Christian music during the Memorial Day weekend. The Fifth Annual K-Love Fan Awards were handed out on Sunday, May 28 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee and the night included a large offering of popular sounds and personalities from the faith-based world. Hosted by Elisabeth Hasselbeck (Fox & Friends, The View) and Matthew West, the evening included performances by Big Daddy Weave, Britt Nicole, Colton Dixon, Crowder, Danny Gokey, For KING & COUNTRY, Jesus Culture, Mandisa, Matthew West, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Tauren Wells and Zach Williams.
This year’s award show was taped for a special Fathom Events presentation happening June 13 at 7 pm. Dubbed “K-LOVE Fan Awards: Ignite Hope,” the film will show in more than 500 theaters across the country. Tickets can be purchased here.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards with Matthew West. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Although I had never attended one of the K-Love Fan Awards shows, I was thrilled to be among the press for this year’s event, bringing along my talented wife to snap pictures and assist in interviews. We spoke with fans lined up near the red carpet, discovering many had driven long distances to be at this year’s weekend, which also included a 5K run, devotions and meet-and-greet sessions with their favorite artists. Following are some pictures along with news bits we discovered along the way. Click a picture for a larger view.
We chatted with Elisabeth Hasselbeck about her love of Christian music and her ‘Survivor’ roots. LeAnn and I are big fans of the show and I appreciate that it was one of the first reality shows that gave a voice to Christian contestants like her.
Elisabeth Hasselback and Jasmine Murray on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Honeymooners David (Sidewalk Prophets) and Harmony walked the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Their special connection was made by Harmony’s mother.
As we spoke to Bart Millard and Barry Graul of MercyMe, we couldn’t help but talk about the upcoming ‘I Can Only Imagine’ film, starring Dennis Quaid. Then we brainstormed on our favorite Quaid films before concluding that it was ‘Enemy Mine.’
It’s about time for some new Jeremy Camp music and the singer-songwriter revealed he has a project he’s preparing for the fall of 2017.
Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave spoke about the emotional moment of the evening when his brother Jason walked onstage after a double foot amputation.
Meredith Andrews’ newest radio single is the popular modern worship track ‘Spirit of the Living God.’
Josh Wilson and his wife, Beth walked the red carpet at the K-Love Fan Awards.
Josh Wilson walks the red carpet at the K-Love Fan Awards.
Newcomer Zach Williams spoke about the warm reception he’s received by fans as he’s toured the country. He recently released the video ‘Old Church Choir,’ following the smash debut ‘Chain Breaker.’
Lang Scott and Ryley Scott of the Scott Family were so thankful for the fans who made the group’s debut a hit. They told us Hillary was on the west coast touring with Lady Antebellum.
Linda Davis, Rylie Scott and Lang Scott of the Scott Family.
Jasmine Murray and Linda Davis chat on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Like us, Danny Gokey is excited about the return of ‘American Idol,’ the show that helped launch his career. His newest album ‘Rise’ features a strong electronic element and he told us he hopes it will make its way to audiences of all backgrounds.
Jasmine Murray on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Chris Tomlin on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Ben Calhoun of Citizen Way on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
On the red carpet, Kari Jobe spoke about the blessing of making music with her husband, Cody Carnes, and the couple’s newest addition, Canyon Morrison.
New artist Micah Tyler on spoke to us about introducing himself to audiences through tours in the winter and spring. He will soon head out with Big Daddy Weave on the Set Free Tour.
Chris Quilala of Jesus Culture performed during the K-Love Fan Awards.
Hawk Nelson on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers spoke about the transformational love of his wife, Heidi, and how she helped bring him to God.
Chris Rademaker and Jodi King of Love & The Outcome on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby.
Ryan Stevenson performed the popular hit ‘Eye of the Storm’ during the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet.
Tauren Wells’ new project, ‘Hills and Valleys,’ releases June 23. This summer, Wells will be the opening act on the Lionel Richie/Mariah Carey tour. Although he was too young to be a part of Richie’s 80s domination, Wells said he’s been catching up and has really enjoyed the country-tinged ‘Tuskegee.’
Natalie Grant and Bernie Herms on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. The duo were both recently nominated for GRAMMY Awards in different categories. One came home with the award. It was Bernie. Natalie said she has no plans to hide it from him.
Natalie Grant and Bernie Herms on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby.
Austin Miller, Cliff Williams, Mikey Howard, and Eric Vanzant of 7eventh Time Down on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Tenth Avenue North on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Britt Nicole on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Britt Nicole on theK-Love Fan Awards red carpet. She performed during the show.
Colton Dixon, also an ‘American Idol’ alumnus, has a solid career in Christian rock. We spoke about the return of the show and how he had to be convinced to audition for the second time.
Nichole Nordeman sang during the K-Love Fan Awards weekend and presented an award during the evening. We spoke to her about Prince covering her song, ‘What If?’ and the impact of Christian radio. Nordeman is readying a new release, scheduled for July 28 on EMI Christian Music Group.
This year, the K-Love Fan Awards weekend benefitted the Military Warriors Support Foundation. Two families of wounded military heroes were given houses and walked the red carpet during the awards night.
Singer Julianna Zobrist presented the Female Vocalist of the Year award during the K-Love Fan Awards.
Seth Mosley spoke about his new label, Full Circle Music.
Matt Hammitt, formerly of Sanctus Real, has started a solo singing and speaking career. He is the first artist on Seth Mosley’s new label, Full Circle Music.
Mallary Hope on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. Image by LeAnn Hamby
Phil Joel and Peter Furler on the K-Love Fan Awards red carpet. The former Newsboys duo performed together during the weekend. Joel continues to stay busy with his group Zealand Worship and Furler continues a solo career while recently contributing to a new Newsboys song.
