“Encourage in Faith” was the theme of the 11th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. Throughout the evening, co-hosts Brandon Lake and Sadie Robertson Huff led the way by intentionally highlighting the topic as they lifted up their peers, thanked the people who’ve supported them along the way, and showered fans both near and far with love and gratitude. While this year’s concept subtly showed up in a variety of ways, here are five times we were encouraged in faith at the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards.
When Brandon Lake Curated a Writers Round of People Who Have Been Influential in His Journey
As one of the night’s emcees, Brandon Lake handcrafted a special segment that brought together a variety of personal friends and fellow artists for a brief writers round. Bringing the Nashville tradition straight from the likes of the iconic Bluebird Cafe to the K-LOVE Fan Awards stage, Lake enlisted his first major co-writer, Kristian Stanfill; his frequent Elevation Worship collaborator Chris Brown; his Maverick City Music sister Naomi Raine and his close friend and “Summer Worship Nights” tourmate Phil Wickham for a stripped-down moment of worship. A true highlight of the evening, each person in the round has encouraged Lake in some way, and in turn, their acoustic performance encouraged fans.
When Seph Schlueter Accepted the Award for Breakout Single of the Year
Newcomer Seph Schlueter won his first K-LOVE Fan Award when fans named his debut radio offering, “Counting My Blessings,” the 2024 Breakout Single of the Year. The accolade was meant to encourage the rising artist, but Schlueter’s acceptance speech ended up encouraging those in attendance as he put the focus not on his own achievements, but rather on the why behind his endeavors: to glorify God, point people to heaven and build the Kingdom. Following the awards show, he shared, “So incredibly encouraged, inspired and blessed by all that God is doing in Christian music, and so honored to be part of it all and meet so many amazing people.”
When Every Vote Helped Equip Missionaries in Other Countries
For the second year in a row, every vote across 11 categories helped take the Gospel around the world. Thanks to a partnership with Open Eyes, every 100,000 votes unlocked a new level of resources, supplies and transportation that will be dispatched to the organization’s “mobile messengers,” who are equipped and sent to remote villages to tell others about the life-saving hope of Jesus. So not only were K-LOVE fans encouraged, but with every vote cast, they helped encourage someone else.
When Brandon & Sadie Passed Out “Brandie” Awards
In the spirit of encouragement, co-hosts Brandon Lake and Sadie Robertson Huff created their very own award, the “Brandie” — a combination of their names. The duo presented trophies to artists in attendance with humorous accolades attached to each one. Huff remarked that Crowder could be a member of her family when they honored him with Best Beard; and Lake dubbed Katy Nichole a “crazy cat lady.” But it was the Brandie Awards cut from the telecast that truly honored select individuals for serious Kingdom-building accomplishments. In person, the hosts recognized Shelley Giglio for founding Passion Conferences, Jennie Allen for leading IF:Gathering and Annie F. Downs for majoring in fun.
When Matthew West Reminded Us of the Power of Prayer
A video preceded Matthew West’s performance of “Don’t Stop Praying.” The brief clip highlighted overlapping petitions from multiple people all culminating in a cacophony of conversation with our Creator. As he introduced his Song of the Year contender, West took a moment to reflect on the power of prayer. Echoing the sentiment of his single, he encouraged fans to keep believing for the things God has promised each of them. The live rendering that followed was a musical reminder that God hears us when we talk to Him, and no prayer ever goes unanswered in the hands of the Father.
