Christian music star Brandon Lake took home the biggest honors at the 13th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards and used his moment in the spotlight to challenge believers to boldly carry the Gospel beyond church walls and into a culture hungry for truth.
The 35-year-old singer won both Male Artist of the Year and the night’s highest honor, Artist of the Year, during the fan-voted event held May 24 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
But it was Lake’s passionate acceptance speech that appeared to leave the strongest impression of the night.
“There is a reason why the secular space is looking at ours, and they’re taking note,” Lake told the audience. “God is raising up new Davids. God is doing something really beautiful in our nation, so don’t buy the lie. Even though there’s craziness going on out there, the darker that it gets, the brighter your light is going to shine.”
The “Hard Fought Hallelujah” singer encouraged Christians not to remain comfortable in spaces where everyone already shares the same beliefs. Instead, he urged believers to intentionally bring their faith into places where hope and truth may be lacking.
“If the rooms you’re in are really bright, find a new room,” Lake said. “If you carry the light of Christ inside of you, go find a room that’s a little darker, because the world needs you. They need your story.”
Lake has increasingly crossed into mainstream entertainment circles in recent years, collaborating with artists like Jelly Roll and Nick Jonas. He said those experiences have shown him just how spiritually hungry many people truly are behind the scenes.
“You just would never believe how hungry people are for the truth,” he said. “There’s so many that are this close.”
The Grammy-winning worship leader said he has no plans to step away from the Church, but believes Christians are called to pursue those who may be far from God actively.
“Go across the street, go across the country,” Lake added. “Listen, I’m going to be that guy that stays in the Church, but I will never stop moving towards the lost. That’s what I’m about. That’s what I’m doing. That’s what you’re going to see.”
This year’s awards show was hosted by Lauren Daigle and Sadie Robertson Huff and aired on Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Several other major Christian artists were also recognized throughout the evening. Gospel legend CeCe Winans earned Female Artist of the Year and later shared her gratitude on social media.
“Thank You, Jesus. My heart is so full,” Winans wrote. “I am truly honored to receive Female Artist of the Year at the K-LOVE Fan Awards. I do not take it lightly that God allows me to keep singing of His goodness, His faithfulness, and His love.”
MercyMe won Group of the Year, while frontman Bart Millard reminded the audience about the eternal significance of worship.
“The only thing we take from this world to Heaven is the ability to worship,” Millard said during the ceremony.
Rising Christian artist Emerson Day received Breakout Single of the Year for “Get Behind Me,” while Anne Wilson earned Book Impact honors for her book “Hey Girl.”
Wilson previously said she wrote the book to help young girls better understand their identity in Christ.
“The Bible can feel intimidating, and I wanted this to be a resource they can relate to,” she said.
The night also honored entertainment projects making an impact in faith-based media. House of David won Television/Streaming Impact of the Year, while I Can Only Imagine 2 earned Film Impact of the Year.
Additional music honors included Left It in the River by Jamie MacDonald, winning Song of the Year, and Homesick for Heaven by Phil Wickham, taking Worship Song of the Year.
The evening featured performances from many of Christian music’s biggest names, including Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Zach Williams, Chandler Moore and Katy Nichole, among others.
As Christian music continues expanding into mainstream culture, Lake’s message appeared to capture the heart of the evening: believers should not hide their faith from a broken world, but boldly bring the hope of Christ into it.