MusicCityNashville.net: TobyMac Kicked Off the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend with a Captivating Concert in Nashville

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TobyMac Kicked Off the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend with a Captivating Concert in Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

The K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend was all about the numbers. First, it was the 10th anniversary of the influential event and fan-voted show. Next, it was reported that a record-setting 3 million plus people had cast ballots for their favorites in 2023 leading up to the ceremony on the third night - Sunday, May 28, 2023 - in Music City.

TobyMac Kicked Off the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend with a Captivating Concert in Nashville

TobyMac proved without a doubt why he is the big fish in Christian music.

The three-day festival featured influencers in Christian books, film, music, and more. The K-LOVE Fan Awards lived up to its billing as the biggest weekend in Christian music as it offered the ultimate fan experience including book signings, food, live interviews, worship services along with showcases for emerging artists.

Friday night's action-packed opening concert over-flowed with spirit and found fans on their feet as headliner TobyMac along with his explosvie band DiverseCity took the sizable stage in the Delta Ballroom. During his solo career TobyMac has sold over 16 million units and has 7 GRAMMYs. Yet it is in the live setting where he truly excels. They opened with the uplifting "Help Is On The Way" enhanced by an energized stage presentation which was a constant during their career spanning set. DiverseCity is fun, funky and all about faith.

Colton Dixon expertly honed his craft on American Idol.

At one point, Toby suggested that folks sit down as he talked about how in 2020 he had dedicated himself to reading the Bible from start to finish but about three weeks into that goal tragedy hit his family with the death of their first-born son Truett. The next composition was a slower song reflecting on that loss while staying committed to trusting in God. After a quick DJ mix of secular dance songs, Blessing Offor joined the group for an inspired "The Goodness" and TobyMac ended the K-Love concert with the upbeat "Feel It".

Katy Nichole played her 2022 Worship Song of the Year and more for receptive fans.

DiverseCity topped off a great night of music but also on the bill was Colton Dixon. Colton broke out on the scene in 2013 and since then he has been building a solid fan base with compelling music paired with passionate live performances. Dixon used flashing lights and lyrics to get his messages across which included a warning that the devil is a liar. He mentioned his wife and twin daughters before playing the sweet "Can't Quit You". "Build a Boat" flowing into "Miracles" had fans standing, clapping and singing along to these up-tempo, faith-based tunes to end Colton's set on an elevated note.

It was an honor and a blessing to watch Blessing Offor do his thing.

But wait, the show also featured Katy Nichole who won a trophy for Worship Song of the Year at her K-LOVE Fan Awards debut last year. Katy was quick to get personal talking about her own battles with hopelessness while giving hope with songs such as the passionate "Please", "Hold On" and the inspired "In Jesus Name" which she explained started out as a personal prayer to God but in turn has been an encouragement to many.

Terrian was fine as a solo act and as a member of the DiverseCity band.

Blessing Offor was a blessing too with the catchy and rhythmic "My Tribe", a soulful "Believe" and a riveting "Rollin'". Kicking the night off and sending it right into high gear was Terrian a singer from TobyMac's band, showing that she can take center stage too. Terrian had a strong voice to match a strong stage presence and her song "Big God" was a big hit early on.

Between set changes K-Love showed videos on the two large screens flanking the stage to promote books, non-profits and early sign-ups for next year's K-Love Awards. Since Coke was sponsoring this event their creative commercials were mixed in too. Coca-Cola Consolidated also hosted a well-attended Late Night COKE Float Party that added to the overall feel that this event was a big Bible sleep away camp for believers in the music stylings of the CCM genre.

Mac Powell and Anne Wilson on K-LOVE live from Nashville.

K-LOVE's mission is "to create compelling media that inspires and encourages you to have a meaningful relationship with Christ." The awards weekend was an enjoyable way to involve fans and recognize entertainers in the Christian world. Prior to the weekend, voting was held at the K-LOVE Fan Awards website where folks registered and could cast a vote for each category. THE 10th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards - held at the Grand Ole Opry House - will air on TBN on June 2nd with an encore broadcast of the star-studded show to take place on June 10th. Tune in then to see all the winners announced at that time.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort where the K-LOVE Fan Awards took place has 14 restaurants, indoor atriums and shops. The legendary Grand Ole Opry and the Opry Mills Mall are nearby (basically in walking distance) that provided additional attractions to accompany this already packed K-LOVE Weekend. The K-LOVE Fan Awards was a celebration of Christian artists and its followers.