Christian singer Forrest Frank, well known for songs like "Good Day", chose not to attend the Dove Awards this year. His explanation as to why had fans asking questions, including Jelly Roll, who took home a Dove Award this year.
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In a video on Instagram, Frank explained that the reason he would not be attending the awards this year was that he would also not be accepting any awards. "As Christians," he said, "It's hard to know where the line in the sand is between being in the world and not of the world."
Frank explained that he felt "convicted" to draw his own lines, especially when it comes to award shows. "I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus," he explained. "I will not be attending the Doves or the Grammys."
While many other creatives were quick to support Forrest Frank, others, such as Jelly Roll, posed questions. "Won't receive trophy for something from Jesus for Jesus but will take the profits from something from Jesus for Jesus. Maybe im missing something here lol," the "Hard Fought Hallelujah" singer commented.
In a separate comment, Jelly Roll also said, "I love that you said 'I don't want to get a trophy for something that's from Jesus for Jesus' which is awesome - but also make MILLIONS of dollars doing that same thing that is From Jesus for Jesus." Even though we can see where Forrest was coming from with this one, Jelly Roll makes a decent point.
Forrest Frank's Hesitance At Last Year's Dove Awards
Frank admitted that, while being acknowledged at last year's award show, he struggled with the idea of accepting an award. In 2024, Frank took home awards for New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.
In his speech last year, Frank said, "I just want to say I feel so undeserving, because, uh, this is just all for him. And everything I do is for the Lord." He shared this week, "I feel a conviction to go even a step further and say I don't know if I even want to step on the stage. I'm not sure if I want to step in the room. And so I have decided to take a stance of nonparticipation."
Jelly Roll took home the award for Song of the Year with Brandon Lake for "Hard Fought Hallelujah" this year. Although he isn't strictly a Christian artist, he's been an open book about his faith life in the past.
Although Forrest Frank has not yet responded, it would be interesting to see a sit-down commentary between him and Jelly Roll. The question of conversation is: Is it better for Christian artists to show face at award shows, or not? Regardless, I'm sure they'll find a way to work things out and continue giving music to fans. But the argument poses an interesting debate for Christian artists everywhere, and listeners of both parties.
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