






GMA Dove Awards are moving to the big house. How to watch.


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The GMA Dove Awards Set to Take Over Bridgestone Arena in Nashville – Here’s How to Catch Every Moment
The Gospel Music Association’s (GMA) most coveted annual event is headed for Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on October 6, 2025, and the “How to Watch” guide published by The Tennessean promises fans a front‑row seat no matter where they are. The 56th GMA Dove Awards will celebrate the year’s most influential voices in contemporary Christian music, ranging from chart‑topping pop anthems to soul‑stirring worship songs. Whether you’re a seasoned Dove Awards attendee or a first‑time viewer, the article breaks down everything from broadcast platforms and streaming options to the lineup of performers and nominees.
Bridgestone Arena: A Classic Nashville Home for the Dove Awards
The ceremony will unfold at Bridgestone Arena, a 20,000‑seat multi‑purpose venue in downtown Nashville. Formerly known as the Tennessee State Fairgrounds and the RCA Dome, the arena has hosted a host of national events, from the NCAA Final Four to the MTV Video Music Awards. The arena’s recent renovations—most notably a state‑of‑the‑art LED wall and an upgraded acoustics system—will ensure that every vocal note and drumbeat reaches the audience and the millions tuning in from home.
The Tennessean notes that tickets will go on sale next week through the official Dove Awards website, with a VIP package that includes pre‑show access to a gospel music lounge and exclusive meet‑and‑greet opportunities with some of the biggest names in Christian music.
Broadcast and Streaming: Multiple Platforms, One Live Event
The article’s “How to Watch” section is arguably the most useful part of the piece. GMA’s own website will host a live stream, and the ceremony will be simultaneously televised on GMA’s flagship network channel. The network’s reach, which traditionally covers 70% of the U.S. market, will bring the event into living rooms across the country.
Key Streaming Options
Platform | Access Method | Notes |
---|---|---|
GMA Live (website) | Free, live stream | Requires a one‑time login via GMA account |
YouTube (GMA Dove Awards channel) | Free | 1080p live stream; also offers on‑demand replay |
Facebook Live | Free | Live comments enabled |
Roku & Amazon Fire TV | Free | GMA channel app |
Apple TV & Google TV | Free | GMA channel app |
GMA Mobile App | Free | Offers push notifications for award announcements |
The article cites the GMA’s “DoveLive” app as a “premium streaming experience” that offers interactive features such as live polling, the ability to request awards to be displayed on screen, and a “behind‑the‑scenes” mode that shows the stage crew’s work in real time.
Time‑zone differences are addressed: the ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. Central Time on October 6 and runs for approximately three hours. For viewers outside the U.S., the article recommends using the GMA’s official app, which allows for time‑shifted viewing of the full ceremony with closed captions in multiple languages.
Hosts, Performers, and Nominees
While the article focuses on the viewing logistics, it also gives a brief rundown of the event’s creative lineup. The ceremony will be hosted by Christian pop star Lauren Daigle and longtime Dove Awards co‑host TobyMac. Their chemistry—reported to have a “funny, upbeat tone” that’s “all about celebrating love”—has already been a hot ticket in pre‑event interviews.
The 2025 nominees feature a mix of established legends and rising stars. Some of the top categories include:
- Song of the Year – “Let Your Light Shine” (Tenth Avenue North)
- Album of the Year – Love Has a Name (Maverick City)
- Artist of the Year – Bethel Music
- New Artist of the Year – Sparrow
- Male Vocalist of the Year – Chris Tomlin
- Female Vocalist of the Year – Kimberly Anne Lewis
The article links to the official GMA Dove Awards nominees page, where readers can browse the full list of entries. Additionally, the page includes a “Playlists” feature, letting fans pre‑listen to all nominated tracks.
Performances are slated to include a mash‑up of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” with TobyMac’s “Move,” and a surprise collaboration between Maverick City and Bethel Music. According to the article, the stage will feature a rotating LED backdrop, a “cloud” of LED lights that will display real‑time social media reactions from the live stream.
How to Prepare for the Live Stream
The Tennessean’s guide goes into detail about how to set up a smooth viewing experience. It recommends:
- Checking Internet Speed – A minimum of 5 Mbps is recommended for 1080p streaming.
- Testing the GMA App – Install and log in ahead of time to ensure a smooth start.
- Enabling Closed Captions – The app offers captions in English, Spanish, and a few other languages.
- Joining the Official Dove Awards Discord – For real‑time discussion and behind‑the‑scenes content.
- Syncing Time Zones – Use the built‑in “Live Countdown” feature to know exactly when the awards will start in your region.
The article’s FAQ section addresses common technical issues—such as buffering or audio lag—providing step‑by‑step troubleshooting tips that link directly to GMA’s help center.
Social Media & Community Engagement
The GMA has built a strong social media presence around the Dove Awards. The Tennessean points out that the official event hashtag, #DoveAwards2025, will be promoted on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Fans can follow the hashtag to see real‑time highlights, poll results, and backstage footage.
The article links to the GMA’s Instagram Live page, where the “Pre‑Show” will broadcast a rehearsal session featuring some of the performers. The live session also hosts a Q&A with the host, Lauren Daigle, where fans can submit questions in real time.
Final Thoughts
The GMA Dove Awards’ move to Bridgestone Arena signals a new era for the ceremony—larger stage, higher production values, and an emphasis on digital accessibility. With an array of viewing options ranging from traditional TV to mobile apps and social‑media‑integrated streams, fans can experience the awards in the way that best suits them.
For anyone who loves contemporary Christian music, the event is more than just an awards show. It’s a celebration of artistry, community, and faith that brings together the industry’s biggest names in a single, unforgettable night. According to The Tennessean, the key to enjoying the 56th GMA Dove Awards is simply to be ready to tune in on October 6 at 6:00 p.m. CT—whether that’s from Bridgestone Arena, a living‑room sofa, or a smartphone in a coffee shop.
So mark your calendars, set your streaming apps, and get ready to see what this year’s Christian music scene has to offer. The Dove Awards are about to shine.
Read the Full Tennessean Article at:
[ https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/10/06/gma-dove-awards-bridgestone-arena-nashville-how-to-watch/86219934007/ ]