Worship leader Brandon Lake stole the show at this year’s K-LOVE Fan Awards, not only taking home top honors but also delivering a powerful message of revival, faith, and obedience that stirred the hearts of thousands gathered at the Grand Ole Opry House.

The 12th-annual ceremony, hosted in Nashville, celebrated the best in Christian music and media — and it was Lake who led the night with a clean sweep, winning all four of his nominated categories. The South Carolina-born worship artist took home Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Worship Song of the Year for “That’s Who I Praise,” and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” his collaboration with Jelly Roll.

As Lake accepted the Song of the Year award, he opened up about the unlikely and faith-filled journey behind the powerful anthem.

“It has been such an honor to collaborate with Jelly Roll,” Lake said. “He had heard this song and said, ‘Yes.’ He was like, ‘I’ve been praying for a song like this.'”

Lake went on to share that Jelly Roll, known for his rough past and redemptive story, was deeply moved by the opportunity to sing about his faith so openly.

“He starts saying things like, ‘Man, I am a man of faith, but I’ve never had a song and a person give me permission to be so much more honest about my faith,'” Lake said.

Lake then issued a heartfelt challenge to the crowd — and the Church at large.

“Revival might come about in the less obvious ways,” he said. “It doesn’t take a platform and a microphone to be a revivalist… You might be the closest thing to Jesus someone ever experiences. So walk across the street and be the hands and feet of Jesus.”

In a moment of humility, Lake confessed he still battles fear despite his growing platform.

“I’ve never felt comfortable doing what God’s called me to do,” he admitted. “I’m scared every single day. I’m shaking in my boots… But God is with you. He’s for you. Let’s see revival sweep across this nation.”

His message resonated deeply, especially coming from an artist who now ties Lauren Daigle for second-most K-LOVE wins in history — nine in total.

Jelly Roll, who couldn’t attend in person, shared a video message of gratitude and awe.

“From a jail cell to a K-LOVE award — that’s something only God can do,” he said. “Brandon, I love you, brother… I don’t take this lightly at all.”

The night also honored other standout Christian artists and voices. For KING + COUNTRY took home Group of the Year, bringing their career total to 19 K-LOVE Fan Awards — the most in history. Luke Smallbone challenged fellow musicians to “burn” for God before leading the audience in “Amazing Grace.”

Gospel legend CeCe Winans was awarded Female Artist of the Year, marking her first K-LOVE Fan Award win, while rising star Leanna Crawford took home Breakout Single of the Year for “Still Waters (Psalm 23)”.

The star-studded evening, hosted by Matthew West, Jeremy Camp, Bart Millard, and Mac Powell, featured 17 live performances from top names and newcomers alike. From Elevation Rhythm to TobyMac and Michael W. Smith to Zach Williams, the night was a dynamic showcase of worship and testimony.

Beyond the music, the awards celebrated the impact in literature, film, and sports. Matthew West won Book Impact for My Story, Your Glory, while The Chosen took Film Impact honors. Max Lucado’s Encouraging Word won Podcast Impact, and Oklahoma Sooners coach Patty Gasso was honored with the Sports Impact Award for her faith-filled leadership.

As Brandon Lake closed his final speech, he reminded fans and fellow believers why the K-LOVE Fan Awards exist:

“I’m honored. Thank you for voting, for showing up, for sharing the music. Thank you, Jesus. Let’s go be revivalists — wherever we are.”