Christian recording artist Forrest Frank has announced that he will no longer participate in music award ceremonies, citing a deeply held conviction that earthly trophies pale in comparison to eternal reward.
Forrest Frank first gained prominence as part of the genre-blending duo Surfaces, known for the viral hit Sunday Best before fully dedicating his solo career to Christian music. His fusion of pop, R&B, and worship elements has earned him a new generation of Christian listeners who resonate with authenticity and faith-centered lyrics.
In a public statement shared via social media, Frank said he has “drawn the line” and will abstain from attending major shows such as the Dove Awards and the Grammys, hoping his stance will encourage younger listeners to make a priority spiritual over worldly recognition.
“The trophy is that my name is listed in the Book of Life, and I get to have eternal life. What good is a piece of metal going to do compared to that?” Frank declared.
Frank, formerly part of the Christian duo Surfaces before rising as a solo artist, has seen growing success in the Christian music scene.
His hit “Your Way’s Better” topped the Hot Christian Songs chart and even crossed into the Billboard Hot 100.
In the prior year’s Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, Frank accepted the New Artist of the Year honor ..but with visible internal conflict. He reportedly told the audience he was wrestling with the idea of receiving recognition while reminding listeners, “Every name will fade away, including mine, except for one name.”
Now, having wrestled with that tension, Frank says he wishes to go “even a step further” by withdrawing from the awards circuit entirely.
In his public address, Frank framed his decision as a spiritual boundary:
“As Christians, it’s hard to know where the line in the sand is between being in the world and not of the world,” he said.
He acknowledged that his style, music, and presentation may bear worldly influence, but affirmed that accepting trophies for work “that is from Jesus and for Jesus” crosses a line for him.
He repeated:
“I am convicted, personally, that a line I can draw is that I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus.”
Frank said he does not even feel comfortable stepping onto the stage or entering award rooms any longer. He described his move not as rejection of ministry or influence, but as selective withdrawal:
“This is not a refusal to be a light in dark places … this is a refusal to go on stages and get awards. I already got the greatest award of all time.”
He hopes his stance offers a countercultural model, especially for young believers tempted to gauge spiritual significance by worldly accolades.
We serve a God of unity & forgiveness. His name is Jesus. #jellyroll615 & I got to hop on the phone recently and we are GOOD. actually, in my head we were never not good. I love these questions & I don’t think we should ever shy away from them as believers. pic.twitter.com/5e6RKEo5Zx
— Forrest Frank (@forestfrank) October 15, 2025
The announcement, posted on Frank’s Instagram Live and later reposted to X (formerly Twitter), garnered over 2 million views within 48 hours. Supporters praised his courage, while skeptics questioned the practicality of “faith-based abstention” in an industry built on visibility.
Christian musician Forrest Frank has said he will decline any future awards for his music, as the only trophy he wants is salvation.https://t.co/AsSb4uw8HV
— Premier Christian News (@PremierNewsDesk) October 8, 2025
The announcement has drawn supportive messages from members of the Christian music community. Gospel legend CeCe Winans encouraged him to remain steadfast in his convictions.
Similarly, Christian musician Matt Gilman replied that he “loves this so much.” The band Kings Kaleidoscope offered a practical suggestion, advising that if Frank did not want awards, he could simply refrain from submitting his work for consideration.
However, not all feedback has been affirming. Jelly Roll, a secular/Christian-hybrid artist, questioned the consistency of Frank’s position. He commented:
“Won’t receive trophy for something from Jesus for Jesus but will take the profits from something from Jesus for Jesus. Maybe I’m missing something here lol.”
In essence, Jelly Roll asked: if Frank refuses trophies, why still accept financial gains from the same music?
Industry observers note that while Frank’s conviction is personal, it echoes growing concerns among Christian artists about commercialization in gospel music. Award shows like the Dove and Grammys, while celebratory, often blur the line between ministry and celebrity culture – a tension long discussed by artists such as Lauren Daigle and Kirk Franklin.
Some critics pointed to an apparent contradiction: in order to be nominated, music often must be officially submitted by labels or artists, so refraining from awards entirely might require not submitting works in the first place.
Frank has not publicly responded in detail to those critiques, but his emphasis remains on personal conviction rather than public debate.
His move is relatively rare in the modern Christian music industry, where awards like the Dove and Grammy ceremonies often serve as platforms for visibility, ministry outreach, and recognition. His decision may prompt peers and listeners alike to reconsider the relationship between faith, art, and affirmation.
At the 2025 Dove Awards, Frank was nominated in six categories, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Pop/Contemporary Song. Because of his nonparticipation, questions linger over how his nominations will be handled or awarded in his absence.
Beyond awards, Frank and worship leader Cory Asbury have publicly floated a more ambitious project: a family‑friendly halftime show during next year’s Super Bowl, to counter more explicit mainstream performances. The idea seeks to offer wholesome entertainment aligned with Christian values.
Whether Frank’s “nonparticipation” stance becomes a trend or remains a personal exemplar depends on how churches, fans, and the Christian music establishment choose to engage with his message.
Whether his move sparks a larger shift in gospel culture or remains a singular stand, Forrest Frank’s conviction has reignited an important conversation about purpose, humility, and spiritual focus in an age obsessed with accolades.
