Fans voted Brandon Lake Artist of the Year at the 12th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. The accolade marks Lake’s first victory in the bracket.
In support of their upcoming movie, “I Can Only Imagine 2,” actors Milo Ventimiglia (“This Is Us”) and Trace Adkins (“I Can Only Imagine”) introduced the 10 nominees in the coveted category, which also included Anne Wilson, CeCe Winans, Crowder, for KING + COUNTRY, Forrest Frank, Josh Baldwin, MercyMe, Tauren Wells and TobyMac. With production already underway in Nashville for the film — set to release in early 2026 — Ventimiglia has been cast as singer-songwriter Tim Timmons. Meanwhile, Adkins — who, in addition to acting, has also helmed a decades-long career in country music — will reprise his role as MercyMe’s longtime manager, Scott Brickell.
When Lake took the podium to accept the award from the two esteemed actors, the “Hard Fought Hallelujah” singer gushed over his love for Adkins’ music, before setting his attention on the honor at hand. “This is mind-blowing. Thank you for cheering me on,” he told the audience.
His Artist of the Year title arrives on the strength of a record-breaking season for the father of three. He and his wife, Brittany, authored a children’s book, “Little Lion Lungs,” inspired by his song, “Gratitude.” Additionally, the hitmaker has sold out arenas across the country on his own headlining treks, as well as on co-headlining bills with his pal, Phil Wickham.
“That’s Who I Praise,” which won Worship Song of the Year earlier in the evening, and “Hard Fought Hallelujah (feat. Jelly Roll)” earned Lake two back-to-back No. 1s, amassing staggering streaming numbers and unprecedented viral traction. Additionally, his red-hot collaboration with Jelly Roll garnered the worship leader airplay on country radio and high-profile appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, “American Idol,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and at Stagecoach Festival.
The excitement surrounding the newly crowned Artist of the Year will peak on June 13 when his highly anticipated fourth studio effort, “King of Hearts,” releases worldwide. In support of the project, Lake will launch a massive fall tour with special guests, Pat Barrett and Franni Cash. Beforehand, he’ll log another installment of his wildly popular “Summer Worship Nights” tour with Wickham and opening act Josiah Queen, beginning in July.
