MercyMe returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since 2018 when fans named them Group of the Year at the 2023 K-LOVE Fan Awards. The band — obviously surprised by the recognition — accepted the honor with lead singer Bart Millard declaring, “I can’t believe we still get to do this!” He went on to tell attendees that in August of 2024, MercyMe will officially have been a band for 30 years. “Yay for old people,” he quipped. “We did it!”
WATCH NOW: MercyMe Winners Circle | Group of the Year
In advance of their win, the quintet graced the stage for an effortless performance of their latest No. 1 smash, “Then Christ Came.” Co-writer David Leonard stepped in for Phil Wickham, who duets with the band on the single, but was unable to attend this year’s Fan Awards due to an unexpected family emergency.
Earlier in the weekend, the beloved outfit joined K-LOVE DJ Lauree for a Q&A during an exclusive “K-LOVE Live.” In addition, group members Mike Scheuchzer and Barry Graul backed Millard on acoustic guitar for the annual Songwriters Showcase, hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman. The well-known frontman performed stripped-down versions of chart-topper “Then Christ Came,” brand new single “To Not Worship You” and career-defining hit “I Can Only Imagine,” which garnered a lengthy standing ovation underscoring the unparalleled impact of the song.
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“I Can Only Imagine” not only launched MercyMe’s nearly three-decades-long career, but it also inspired a movie based on Millard’s life and the events that led him to pen the epic ballad. Propelled by the popularity of the blockbuster hit, the acclaimed collective took home multiple statuettes at the 2018 K-LOVE Fan Awards where they received top honors for Artist of the Year and Group/Duo of the Year. In addition, the band’s emotive single “Even If” was recognized as Song of the Year, and “I Can Only Imagine” claimed the trophy for Film/Television Impact.
This fall, MercyMe is slated to embark on two star-studded outings. First, they’ll share a highly anticipated bill with TobyMac and Zach Williams, followed by a run of dates with Crowder and Andrew Ripp on the “Together Again Tour.”
