Today’s Christian Entertainment’s Exclusive Coverage
of the 2024 GMA Dove Awards
TCE’s Jay Heilman with former Fusebox vocalist and Rebecca St. James guitarist, Billy Buchanan and Dove Awards main stage
October 4, 2024 – For two decades, Christian Music Review (CMR) and Today’s Christian Entertainment (TCE) have been your backstage pass to the world of Christian music, film, and literature. We’ve brought you exclusive interviews, breaking news, and in-depth reviews, connecting you with the artists and stories that inspire you.
One of our most cherished experiences has been covering the GMA Dove Awards, the annual celebration of Christian music excellence. Since 2004, we’ve been on the front lines, capturing the excitement and energy of this iconic event.
This year, as we marked the 20th anniversary of CMR/TCE, we had a special treat in store. Joining TCE founder Jay Heilman was none other than Billy Buchanan, a beloved CCM artist with deep roots in the industry. Together, they navigated the red carpet and press room, engaging with nominees, guests, and presenters. With their combined experience, they asked thought-provoking questions about the artists’ craft and its impact on fans and fellow musicians.
While the red carpet was buzzing with excitement, technical difficulties unfortunately prevented us from capturing many of the interviews. However, we’re thrilled to share the highlights, including conversations with Ryan Ellis, Larry Gatlin, MŌRIAH, Brian & Jenn Johnson, and more.
As the red carpet frenzy subsided, we shifted our focus to the press room, where we witnessed incredible performances via a big screen TV, while having the opportunity to chat with award winners and presenters. From the glamorous red carpet to the intimate press room, we bring you exclusive content that captures the essence of the Dove Awards.
↓ Watch our Dove Award highlights below ↓
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REFLECTION OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT
For Billy Buchanan, a seasoned CCM artist, this year’s Dove Awards marked a unique shift in perspective. Having attended numerous times as a performer, he now experienced the event from the other side of the aisle as a member of the media. It was a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the tireless efforts of countless individuals who contribute to the thriving CCM industry.
Reflecting on his experience, Billy shared, “It felt like a family reunion. I saw so many old friends and met new ones. I believe it had been 19 years since I last attended. I really enjoyed hanging with Jay Heilman and interviewing artists. We made a great team.”
For Jay Heilman, the trip to this year’s Dove Awards was a long-awaited return. His last attendance was in 2011, and he expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. “I saw so many industry friends I hadn’t seen in forever. Bringing Billy along added another dimension to the coverage. I’ve always been one to think outside the box, and I felt adding Billy was a good choice.”
As for the highlight of the trip, Jay recalled, “There were so many great moments. One of the highlights was during the ‘in memorium’ segment. Tauren Wells emotionally shared an audio message from the late Mandisa, followed by Natalie Grant’s powerful performance of ‘My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)’. There was even applause in the press room, which is rare.” He also mentioned KB’s speech and his own interview with him as memorable moments.
Buchanan echoed Jay’s sentiments, adding that his highlight was reconnecting with old friends and receiving incredible feedback from influential CCM artists. One such encounter was with Joel and Luke Smallbone of for KING + COUNTRY. While the audio from that interview didn’t make the cut, Jay witnessed Joel praise Buchanan as a significant influence on his early career. Heilman shared, “Joel and Luke have enjoyed immense success. I know Billy shared the stage with them and their sister, Rebecca St. James. As we were closing out the interview, Joel takes the mic from me and holds it up and says, “Billy – it takes a big man, to trust a little man. I was not even 17 guys, but somehow because my dad had an “imprint”, I was the ‘creative director’. And Billy, you honored me man. You listened to me. When I had no right to make those calls. You trusted my instinct, and those are the building blocks that it takes us to get to this place. Building confidence on what a song should sound like. What the production should sound like. So thank you. I am proud to celebrate you. I’m proud of you. Let’s hug it out to close.”
↑ Jay & Billy with Joel & Luke Smallbone of for KING + COUNTRY ↑
As Jay witnessed, the CCM community is a tight-knit family where artists, no matter their level of fame, are quick to acknowledge those who have helped them along the way. It’s a testament to the genuine relationships and mutual respect that define this industry.
If you were not able to attend the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, they will be re-aired on TBN and TBN+
Here are some pictures that highlighted the evening:
Jay and Billy interviewing Skillet’s John Cooper
Jay and Billy with Skillet’s John Cooper
Jay and Billy with Larry Gatlin
Jay and Billy interviewing Larry Gatlin (complete with hat swap)
Jay interviewing Bethel Music’s Brian and Jenn Johnson
Jay and Billy with David and Tamela Mann (Tyler Perry’s ‘The Browns‘)
Jay with Yancy
Jay with Brock Starnes and Chris Wall, creators of ‘The Wingfeather Saga‘
Jay and Billy with Seph Schleuter
Jay with Rhett Walker
Jay and Billy with Out of Eden
Jay and Billy interviewing MŌRIAH
Jay and Billy with MŌRIAH
Jay and Billy with Maverick City’s Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine
Jay with publicists, Stacie Vining; Lori Mahon; Mandy Parsons & Alisha McArthur
