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There Was a Lot of Love to Go Around at the K-LOVE Awards in Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Steven Curtis Chapman is a contemporary Christian musician, songwriter, record producer, actor, author and social activist who has sold millions of records and has won countless awards. The beloved iconic figure on the CCM scene returned to his role as host for the Songwriters Round that took place Saturday, May 27, 2023 during the K-LOVE Weekend at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee.
Steven Curtis Chapman was the host with the most #1 hits on the Christian charts.
Steven said that rounds like this is a "Nashville thing" stating that he enjoys hearing songs in their "purist form". The artists on stage clearly had a lot of affection for each other and the music that was played for the packed house at the Delta Ballroom. He then introduced the first group which consisted of Bart Millard and some of the guys from MercyMe on guitars with Lauren Daigle who had a keyboardist with her. Bart opened with a solid "Then Christ Came". Lauren was a bit chattier before presenting a powerful "You Say" while SCC added some accents.
Bart asked how do we follow that? He thanked K-LOVE for putting this next song quickly into rotation. He explained that "To Not Worship You" was about struggling with faith but still coming back to it. The track was relatable and well-received by the audience. Lauren said her idea for tonight was to perform a past, present and future track so we got "Waiting" a current song about Jesus' second coming. SCC did a quick song then return the round to Millard who said how excited he was to be sitting next to one of his musical heroes.
Imagine that! Bart Millard with MercyMe in Nashville.
Bart sang the game changing, crowd pleasing "I Can Only Imagine". Steven jokingly advised Bart that "you should definitely record that". After that, Daigle knew she had to up her game so she asked the crowd if they would like a new or old song. Since most wanted a classic she switched from her future idea to a riveting "Rescue" which turned into a big moment in a round that had a lot of big moments.
After a break SCC was back to introduce Michael Cochren, Anne Wilson and Matthew West. Cochren stationed at the keys presented a solid version of "Running Home" that had fans clapping along. Anne started with "Sunday Sermons" which really showcased her sweet vocals. Matthew West is well respected for his religious music and has penned countless songs for both Christian and secular artists. He opened with a winning "Truth Be Told".
Lauren Daigle's "You Say" - 300 million YouTube viewers can't be wrong!
Next, SCC talked about a school mate named Carlton Bell in a song called "Living Color" in which Steven reflects on the challenges that his black friend must have faced that he himself would not and the different directions that their lives took as they went their separate ways.
Michael shared that as a kid he did not really fit in and although he grew up in the church, he did not really become a Christian until he was in college which was a fine lead into the inspiring "Thank God For Sunday Morning". Wilson talked about losing her brother as a teen but it was that tragedy that led her to singing and to become the reigning K-LOVE Female Artist of the Year.
Anne Wilson turned personal tragedy into industry triumph with "My Jesus".
Her song called the "Seventh Day of June" was a heartbreaker because we all have our own June 7ths just on a different day. West was full of compliments for his fellow songwriters and in what might have been a tip of the hat to SCC's "Cinderella" presented his own prose about watching his daughters grow up and wanting only the best for them.
Back to Cochren who addressed his up and down relationship with the church sung a tune about getting right with it. Before performing the popular "My Jesus", Wilson thanked K-LOVE for playing the song that launched her. West talked about how he struggled with the pandemic and did his best to stay busy writing. He asked Anne to join him on a tune they wrote together called "Me On Your Mind". Steven closed out this stellar round with the spirited "Don't Loss Heart" to end this star-studded-writers round on high.
Matthew West put his golden touch on display for K-LOVE attendees.
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.
Michael Cochren reminded us of both Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman in one talented package.
Related Links:
For more information on THE K-LOVE FAN AWARDS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
The K-LOVE Fan Awards |
K-LOVE |
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