In our special 13th Annual We Love Christian Music Awards (WLA) editorial series, members of the NRT staff discuss this year's nominees. Part 2 of our series features a dialogue between NRT's Bradden Ford and Janice Henriquez, who discuss the nominees for Worship Song, Worship Album, and Church Worship Album of the Year

Public voting is now open through Friday, January 24, 2025, at WeLoveAwards.com. This awards cycle will conclude with a live ceremony on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at The Factory at Franklin in Franklin, Tennessee, where winners will be announced, and performances will feature top nominees. Tickets for the live event are now on sale.

Worship Album of the Year
 

Bradden: It’s hard to believe we’re already at the end of 2024. This year has been filled with many amazing ups and brutal downs. Amidst everything, an incredible and powerful sound of worship has emerged through numerous amazing artists and bands this year. These songs and albums have impacted countless millions, including my life. 

I’m excited to dive into these worship categories with you, Janice. Starting with Worship Album of The Year, what do you think about all these nominees, and which ones stand out to you?

Janice: I agree, Bradden. What a whirlwind year it’s been. I have to say these nominees are excellent choices. I’m personally a fan of Charity Gayle. Her music has ministered to me so much, as well as to others at my ministry events. All these nominees are doing such powerful things in the industry, and it’s excellent to see the impact our “yes” to God can have—through music or whatever it is we’re called to. Which ones stand out to you?

Bradden: So true. I love Charity and seeing how God uses her music after her smash-hit last album, Endless Praise. Her latest one is once again another fantastic collection of worship anthems. The one that stands out to me the most is Benjamin William Hastings. The first single from the album, Abandoned, has a special place in my heart since it was released in January. One of my favorite worship songs brought me to surrender to Jesus powerfully. The whole album is filled with raw worship and prayers to surrender and know Jesus truly and deeply. These nominees are exceptional and have a great chance to win, but I would love to see Benjamin win. Speaking of winning, who do you think has the best chance of winning this category? 

Janice: Any artists would be well-deserved winners, but I could see gospel great Cece Winans taking it. More Than This won the Dove Award for Gospel Album of the Year. Cece is another favorite in my household and my circle of friends. The whole album is a mix of new and familiar songs and is perfect for praising. “Holy Forever” has become an anthem at my church, Radiant Life. That song ushers in the tangible presence of God. On the topic of church, what are your thoughts on the Church Worship Album of the Year category choices? 

Church Worship Album of the Year
 

Bradden: Fully with you there. Another artist who has a good chance is Bethel artist Josh Baldwin. His project is filled with many fantastic worship songs, including “Made For Me,” which has done well on radio this year. Mack Brock is also a stellar songwriter, and I’m excited to see how his album This Is Holy does in this category.

Church Worship Album has always been one of my favorite categories. I love seeing how God is using worship through the Church to impact people and bring them closer to them. There are so many amazing bands nominated who have released influential projects. I especially love SEU Worship’s album. So many of its songs have been on repeat for me throughout the year and have helped my relationship with Jesus through these worship songs. What are your thoughts on these nominees?

Janice: “Monday Morning Faith” by SEU Worship is another anthem at my church. I love songs that empower us to live out our faith daily, not just on Sundays. Again, this category is chock-full of great nominees. I love that albums are lyrically laced with God’s Word and truth. We know God sings songs over us, as stated in Zephaniah 3:17, and it’s so life-changing when we hear songs that resound His truth. If I had to pick a winner, I would probably hand the award to Passion for their album Call on Heaven. The songs released on that one are some of my favorites. What about you? Who would you choose if you got to pick the winner and present the award at the We Love Music Awards?

Bradden: Other than SEU Worship and Passion, who I would love to see win, I would love to see the underdog VOUS Worship take it. Their past few albums have been favorites of mine, and this one is no exception, with so many moving songs of worship and praise. It would be amazing to see them get the recognition and more people to listen to their music. However, mega-worship band Elevation Worship and fellow underdog Influence Music released incredible albums that may win. Who do you see taking it in this category?

Janice: I’m the same. I love seeing the underdog win. I’m unsure who will take it, but I can’t wait to find out on April 8th at the We Love Music Awards Show in Franklin, Tennessee. I hope everyone gets their ticket before it sells out.  

Worship Song of the Year
 

Janice: Our last category is Worship Song of the Year. I’m rooting for Elevation Rhythm feat. Gracie Binion's “Goodbye Yesterday.” That song is powerful. My husband recently played it at a church we were ministering at (he plays guitar). What music do you love most? 

Bradden: My church started playing that song for worship recently, and it’s been so fun and powerful. I have loved Gracie Binion’s music for so many years that I love hearing her voice on this anthem. My favorite would have to be “That’s My King” by CeCe Winans (originally Bridge Worship, another amazing worship group). The song is such a joyful tune that lifts who Jesus is. Both songs are favorites of mine that I’m excited to see go head-to-head. Tasha Layton, Josh Baldwin, and Mack Brock all have some solid songs I love and look forward to seeing discovered by fans. All in all, these are all fantastic nominees who more than deserve to win in the worship categories.

Janice: I agree. All the nominees are well-deserved winners, and I hope their music continues to reach the world with the love of Jesus. Bradden, thanks for the fun conversation about the 13th Annual We Love Christian Music Award nominees for Worship Song, Worship Album, and Church Worship Album of the Year. I can’t wait for April 2025.