for KING + COUNTRY notched their fourth consecutive and sixth overall Artist of the Year win at the 11th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. Although they were unable to attend, due to tour dates in their native Australia and neighboring New Zealand, brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone thanked fans via video after stepping off stage in Canberra. With gratitude for their family, the entire K-LOVE team and, of course, the fans, the duo expressed their deepest appreciation for the fan-voted honor.
The Smallbones’ story recently unfolded on the silver screen in “Unsung Hero,” the year’s most talked-about faith-based movie to date. Currently still in theaters, “Unsung Hero” shares the family’s legacy of resilience, perseverance and faith. One of the movie’s heroines, Rebecca St. James, presented this year’s Film Impact award alongside podcast host and 2024 nominee Annie F. Downs. Naturally bringing up her family’s movie, St. James insisted their miraculous beginnings are a testament to the provision and goodness of God. While “Unsung Hero” didn’t premiere in time to make the cut for this year’s Film Impact category, it will be eligible in 2025.
To accompany their buzzworthy feature film, for KING & COUNTRY crafted a unique “Inspired By” soundtrack that found the brothers covering songs from their youth. The duo put their stamp on ’90s CCM classics like Michael W. Smith’s “Place In This World,” Amy Grant’s “Lead Me On” and Stryper’s “To Hell With The Devil,” inviting each song’s original artist to collaborate on their respective hit. The album also features St. James, Hillary Scott and Lecrae.
After their celebrated homecoming shows in Australia and New Zealand, for KING & COUNTRY will return to American soil for select fairs and festivals this summer, followed by the official “Unsung Hero Tour,” set to hit 31 U.S. markets throughout the fall.
The multi-Platinum duo remains the most-awarded artist in K-LOVE Fan Awards history with their latest accolade marking their 18th golden ‘K.’
