“Maybe I'm Missing Something”: Jelly Roll Contests Forrest Frank's Decision to Skip DOVE Awards and the GRAMMYs - Who's in the Right?

Jelly Roll has shared his thoughts on Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) trailblazer Forrest Frank's decision not to attend the 2025 DOVE Awards and GRAMMYs ceremony.

In a heartfelt video shared to Instagram, Forrest explains that he feels convicted to steer clear of any forthcoming awards shows, because it doesn't sit right with him to go and “receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus”.

It echoes sentiments the ‘NOTHING ELSE’ hitmaker made last year, when he received two DOVE Awards for New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for ‘GOOD DAY’. While on stage, Forrest underlined that everything in his personal life and career is for God, and he felt undeserving of the accolades.

In the newly shared video, Forrest muses, “As Christians, it's hard to know where the line in the sand is between being in the world and not of the world. And as a Christian artist, you know, I dress kind of like the world, I kind of look like the world. My music can kind of sound like the world. So where's the line in the sand drawn?”

He expands, “I'm convicted, personally, that a line that I can draw is that I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus, and I was wrestling with this last year. I even said that on stage at the DOVE awards, I said, ‘I'm still struggling with the concept of receiving this award, but all glory to Jesus’. Every name will fade away, including mine, except for one name. But I feel a conviction to go even a step further and say, ‘I don't know if I even want to step on the stage’. I don't know if I want to step in the room. And so I have decided to take a stance of non-participation. I will not be attending the DOVEs or the GRAMMYs”.

The Texas native concludes, “I hope to be an example to the youth that the trophy is our salvation. 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 gonna do compared to that?”

Forrest's perspectives on this issue has sparked a broader debate around the role of awards shows, particularly in the CCM space, with many artists such as Cece Winans praising the ‘YOUR WAY'S BETTER’ singer-songwriter's perspective.

Jelly Roll - who performed ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’ at this week's DOVE Awards with Brandon Lake - questions whether this approach conflicts with the notion of making money from streams and merchandise as an artist. Jelly has commented on Forrest's post, “This is an interesting take - I [dig] it , how do you think this compares as profiting from the same music. I love that you said “I don’t want to get a trophy for something that’s from Jesus for Jesus “ which is awesome - but also make MILLIONS of dollars doing that same thing that is From Jesus for Jesus”.

He adds, “Won’t receive trophy for something from Jesus for Jesus but will take the profits from something from Jesus for Jesus. Maybe im missing something here lol”.

Hulvey, one of Forrest's previous collaborators and close friend, has underlined that he appreciates his buddy's view on this topic, but he personally sees value in the DOVE Awards.

Hulvey has reflected, “Our names being written in the Lamb’s Book of Life is the GREATEST TROPHY we could ever receive! As a brother I really do respect your heart on this and think that The Lord honors it & also think there’s a space to have a different conviction on it! I also have been really impacted by previous Dove Award shows I’ve attended. When KB, For King & Country & Toby Mac spoke I genuinely have not been able to forget what they spoke about and the way it impacted my heart”.

He goes on, “Also, I experienced an incredible act of selflessness by Toby Mac that he did for me at The Doves! I see the Doves as an opportunity as a beautiful reunion among Christian artists. I respect your decision not to go but wanted to shine light on why I’m going and others maybe too! Love you dawg for eternity !!!!!!!!”

The credibility and purpose of awards shows has been an increasingly pertinent subject of discussion in recent years, as many listeners - especially in country music - feel frustrated by the lack of recognition for artists that are dominating the charts and touring markets, yet lose out to older acts with industry backing.

As for this particular bone of contention between Jelly and Forrest, it seems there are valid points being made on both sides. For Forrest to feel convicted not to attend these awards shows is his prerogative, and if it doesn't sit well with him - and hasn't for the past year - then it's not up to anyone else to force him to do otherwise.

The difficulty arises, though, when Forrest suggests that he is acting as a role model and an “example to the youth” in avoiding awards shows, which indicates this is not merely a personal conviction, but something he believes others should follow.

If this is purely a personal choice, then that is up to Forrest, and with the nature of many awards shows today, we can understand why he might feel disillusioned by them.

But as Jelly and Hulvey point out, there are many awards shows - such as the DOVE Awards - that serve as a source of inspiration and joy to many viewers and indeed artists. So to tar them all with the same brush perhaps feels unnecessary.

With Forrest and Jelly famously both kind-hearted, compassionate people, we're sure this won't blow up into an argument, and we hope the two will find time to delve into their differing viewpoints - perhaps even in a public forum, such as via a podcast.

If we're lucky, it might even result in a surprise collaboration between these two genre-blending chart-toppers, much in the same way that Forrest's brief dispute with Cory Asbury ended with the artists making peace and teaming up for ‘MISUNDERSTOOD’.

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