In our special 13th Annual We Love Christian Music Awards (WLA) editorial series, members of the NRT staff discuss this year's nominees. Part 1 of our series begins with a dialogue between NRT Contributors Jake Frederick and Kevin Davis, focusing on the categories of Male and Female Artists of the Year.
Public voting is now open through Friday, January 24, 2025, at WeLoveAwards.com. This awards cycle will conclude with a live ceremony on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at The Factory at Franklin in Franklin, Tennessee, where winners will be announced, and performances will feature top nominees. Tickets for the live event are now on sale here.
WLA Male Artist of the Year
Kevin: Hi Jake, I must admit that I needed to listen to Josiah Queen and Hulvey’s newest projects for the first time to have this discussion today. I have also worn out the latest albums by Jordan Feliz, Brandon Heath, and Matthew West, and I have stronger opinions on those three projects. I’m intrigued to know your thoughts on Josiah Queen and Hulvey, and then we can address the other projects.
Jake: Admittedly, it’s been a minute since I’ve dived into a Hulvey project, but I love his style. His hip-hop style still fits within the genre but adds a signature that’s distinctly him. Josiah—I first heard of him from his producer, Jared Marc, and the distinct sound he brings. It breaks some of the contemporary Christian music (CCM) molds, and the other thing to note about him is that he is breaking out without the push of a label. He is reaching a lot of youth, and that’s encouraging to see.
Kevin: Thank you, Jake, for that overview and your thoughts. I agree that both Hulvey and Josiah Queen break CCM molds, and for those looking for lesser-known artists to get behind, these are both worthy artists with worthy projects to support. As for the more well-known artists, I can’t get enough of the new Brandon Heath album, The Ache. I’ve been a fan from the beginning, and arguably, since he changed to the Centricity music label, he has released his two best albums, in my opinion. As for Jordan Feliz, I have always loved his albums, and this release has several tracks I replay repeatedly, including “Somebody Loves You” and “Praise God for That.” Matthew West continues to write and sing hits, and as fathers of daughters, I’m sure we both appreciate “18 Summers” for sentimental reasons. How about you, Jake? What do you think of the other three projects?
Jake: I think “Don’t Stop Praying” has become an anthem for the church. It’s simple, but how many reminders do we need for the simple things sometimes? I can’t say I can get behind “18 Summers” yet cause my daughter isn’t that old yet, and I don’t want to even think about that. I’m a Brandon Heath fan as well. Not only do his projects keep getting better, but his heart is still firmly in the mission. I saw him on the Mac Powell and Friends tour about a year ago, and one thing that will always stick with me is how he brought a little girl and her mom back to the green room to sing her the little girl’s comfort song that she’s grown up with. It was an incredible moment. And Jordan Feliz—he’s my dude. Once again, in a backstage moment on one of the first Love + Light Tour dates, he was more lit up about a truck driver giving his life to Christ than the show itself. His projects continue to show his passion for the Gospel. Jordan continues to amaze me.
Predictions
Kevin: In my opinion, the voting will be heavy between Matthew West, Jordan Feliz, and Brandon Heath. Since I love the songs “Scars,” “The Ache,” and “Can We Go Home Now,” my vote for who “should win” is Brandon Heath. However, based on the voting, I can very quickly see Jordan Feliz winning, and a wildcard in this category is Josiah Queen.
Jake: I mean, I can’t argue with you here. I think Josiah can catch the eye of the younger voters and have a strong year, but I have to stay partial to my dude Jordan Feliz and how he connects with artists. Matthew West connects with so many people as well.
WLA Female Artist of the Year
Kevin: I must admit that I needed to listen to Terrian’s and Anike’s newest projects for the first time to have this discussion today. I have worn out Leanna Crawford and Hannah Kerr's latest albums and have stronger opinions on those three projects. I’m intrigued to know your thoughts on CeCe Winans, Terrian, and Anike, and then we can address the other projects.
Jake: I don’t think you can argue about the influence and power that CeCe has had for a little while now, but seeing her continue to put out power projects is impressive. I’m partial to her release of “Come Jesus Come” since that was written by my buddy, Stephen McWhirter. Anike has been a powerhouse female Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) artist, and I’ve used songs in playlists for a while now; this project is no different. I’ve seen Terrian live a few times now, and what is impressive to me is that she shines both as support for TobyMac and as a solo artist. Her range is ridiculous, both vocally but also the songs she puts out.
Kevin: Great thoughts, Jake, especially about Terrian. I’ve seen her with TobyMac on the Hits Deep Tour, and she’s a powerhouse. I like her new album and am a fan of her work. Anike’s CHH is notable and catchy, and she’s a powerhouse as well, along with CeCe, who seems to keep getting stronger, which is remarkable. Hannah Kerr and Leanna Crawford are my favorite albums and artists this year. I’m ranking both of them near the top of my year-end editorial albums and song lists. I can’t get enough of “As I Am” by Hannah and “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna. Those are both mental health songs for me and are very worshipful. Back to being a girl dad, these are all incredible female role models. What do you think of Hannah’s and Leanna’s albums, Jake?
Jake: Talking about role models for our daughters is a dead-on statement about Hannah for me. Hannah and her husband Jason have become friends, and I am so grateful for how Hannah speaks life into my daughter from both onstage and off. I’m not sure when I last told her. Maybe that’s my next stop after this. But Hannah put so much heart into this album; the end product is unique. Leanna came out swinging with “Still Waters” this year. I’m admittedly not as familiar with the entire project, but having heard her live more than the album, I’m blown away. She is a powerhouse that I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from as she releases more projects in the future.
Predictions
Kevin: I think the voting here could get pretty split between CeCe, Terrian, Hannah, and Leanna, and especially with Terrian’s following from TobyMac, she could be a wildcard to win this category, and I’d be okay with that. As for who “should win,” I ranked Leanna’s album the highest, and I’ve connected with her music, so she’s my pick overall in this category. How about you, Jake?
Jake: This is a complete toss-up category; it will likely come down to who engages more during the voting period. There’s easily a case for any of these artists to win. My “should win” has to be Hannah. I’ve been sitting with some of these songs for a bit longer, and her voice blows me away, and these songs hit home.
Who do you want to win? You can vote now through January 24, 2025 here. Get tickets to the ceremony in Franklin, TN on April 8, 2025 here.
Assembled from the four corners of North America and many other corners in between, the NRTeam comprises staffers whose energy is equally dispersed towards loving and writing about the music they love.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1296 - Mary-Clair
A candid conversation about faith, vulnerability, and finding God
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!MOVIE REVIEW Miracle
NRT reviews the new movie after attending the premiere
NEW!SERIES REVIEW
A Night At Wingfeather
We attended the show's premiere of the Angel Studios animated show
NEW!NRT LISTS
Worship Into 2026
Standout new worship releases that invite the Church to sing and reflect
NEW!THE CHH DROP
#261 - Gavin the Hotrod
What's new this week in Christian rap and hip-hop
