The 2023 Breakout Single of the Year nominees include a hearty batch of songs from a mix of new artists, comeback stories and first-time chart-toppers. While not technically “breakout” acts, seasoned musicians Rachael Lampa and Jason Crabb were both welcomed back to the CCM format this year with new singles that broke through the noise. Meanwhile, former All Sons & Daughters’ member David Leonard found his footing as a solo act; and Cody Carnes, Blessing Offor and Ben Fuller all scored their first No. 1s. Making their K-LOVE Fan Awards debut, Consumed by Fire rounds out this year’s list of impressive Breakout Single of the Year contenders. The winning song will be selected by fans.
Hosted by CAIN, the 10th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards will air exclusively on TBN Friday, June 2, 2023, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT.
Cast your vote for Breakout Single of the Year now.
“Ain’t Nobody,” Cody Carnes
“Ain’t Nobody” served as the lead single from Cody Carnes’ latest album, “GOD IS GOOD!” The catchy anthem, primed for a singalong, ascended the charts to become Carnes’ debut No. 1 apart from the hit songs he’s collaborated on with his wife, Kari Jobe, as well as other artists. The rising singer/songwriter is slated to release a follow-up to “GOD IS GOOD!” as soon as late summer.
RELATED CONTENT: Cody Carnes Shares His Story with New Single, “Ain’t Nobody”
“Brighter Days,” Blessing Offor
Blessing Offor’s “Brighter Days” scored a sync in feature film, “Gigi & Nate,” and in television series like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “American Ninja Warrior.” The hope-filled, piano-led ballad became the newcomer’s first chart-topper from his debut set, “My Tribe,” and caught the attention of established artists like TobyMac and Benjamin William Hastings, who both recently enlisted the Nigerian-born singer for high-profile collaborations on “The Goodness” and “That’s The Thing About Praise,” respectively.
RELATED CONTENT: Newcomer Blessing Offor Serves Up Soulful Single, “Brighter Days”
“First Things First,” Consumed By Fire
The plaintive “First Things First” has quickly resonated with fans as Consumed by Fire’s song about rearranged priorities emerged as a surprise hit at radio. The moving track has swiftly evolved into the centerpiece of the band’s live show. The sibling trio from Oklahoma is a double-nominee ahead of the 2023 K-LOVE Fan Awards, where they are also up for Group of the Year.
RELATED CONTENT: Brotherly Trio Consumed By Fire Re-Examines Priorities on “First Things First”
“Good Lord,” David Leonard
David Leonard previously helmed keys for NEEDTOBREATHE, fronted alt-pop band Jackson Waters and rose to prominence as one-half of folk/worship duo All Sons & Daughters. Now, the troubadour is flying solo, opening for CAIN and sharing his hit Breakout Single of the Year contender, “Good Lord,” the lead track from his sophomore album.
RELATED CONTENT: David Leonard Testifies to the Faithfulness of God on “Good Lord”
“Good Morning Mercy,” Jason Crabb
While Jason Crabb has long been a beloved voice in Southern Gospel, “Good Morning Mercy” painted the talented vocalist in an entirely new light, proving his country-tinged pop could also work in Contemporary Christian Music. The two-time GRAMMY® winner, who recently reimagined “Good Morning Mercy” as a duet with country riser Dylan Scott, is up for the first K-LOVE Fan Award of his storied career with this year’s Breakout Single nod.
RELATED CONTENT: Jason Crabb Welcomes the Day with “Good Morning Mercy”
“Perfectly Loved,” Rachael Lampa (feat. TobyMac)
“Perfectly Loved (feat. TobyMac)” has taken Rachael Lampa on an extraordinary journey, opening a fresh era of new music for the beloved songstress and sending her to No. 1 for the first time in 22 years. Lampa, who signed her first record deal at 14, wrote, recorded and released the powerful ballad entirely independent of a label with the assistance of co-writers and friends Andrew Ripp and Ethan Hulse, who believed in the song so much, they helped her share it with the world.
RELATED CONTENT: Rachael Lampa Returns to Radio for the First Time in Nearly Two Decades with TobyMac-Assisted “Perfectly Loved”
“Who I Am,” Ben Fuller
“I’m a child of the Most High God, and the Most High God’s for me.” That’s the line that shot Ben Fuller’s anthemic debut single to the top of the charts. “Who I Am” also serves as the title of his eight-track introductory collection, of which the Vermont native’s incredible story of addiction, recovery and redemption is written into every line.
RELATED CONTENT: New Artist Ben Fuller Introduces Himself With “Who I Am”
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Select your favorite artists, songs, films, books, podcasts and more across 10 fan-voted categories.
