Gospel and Christian Music Streams Grew 18.5 Percent in 2025, GMA Reports Ahead of 2027 Dove Awards
The Gospel Music Association reported that U.S. on-demand audio streams for Christian and gospel music grew 18.5 percent in 2025, citing the figure as it announced the 58th Annual Dove Awards for October 2027. The GMA credited growing youth engagement and the success of major tours like Forrest Frank's Jesus Generation Tour for the surge.
U.S. on-demand audio streams for Christian and gospel music grew 18.5 percent in 2025, the Gospel Music Association reported as it announced plans for the 58th Annual GMA Dove Awards.
The GMA cited the streaming growth figure on October 23, 2026, alongside the announcement that the 58th Dove Awards will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on October 5, 2027.
The growth reflects a broader shift in how audiences consume gospel and Christian music. Streaming platforms have made the genre more accessible to younger listeners who may not regularly attend church or purchase physical albums.
Major tours contributed to the momentum. Forrest Frank's 2026 "Jesus Generation Tour" drew more than 519,000 attendees across 29 cities, which the GMA called the largest-attended Christian music tour in history. Artists like CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard also maintained strong streaming numbers throughout the year.
The GMA noted that the move to Bridgestone Arena in 2025 reflected the industry's growth. The venue holds significantly more attendees than the Allen Arena at Lipscomb University, which hosted the ceremony for 11 years.
Tickets for the 2027 ceremony go on sale to the general public on November 2, 2026, through Ticketmaster. Fan experience packages are also available, including hotel accommodations and a Night of Worship at the Ryman Auditorium.
