ASCAP Honors Top Christian Music Songwriters and Publishers

Top Honors in Christian Music Announced

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, has announced the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed Christian songs from the past year.

Key awards include:

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Christian Music Songwriter of the Year: Brandon Lake
Christian Music Song of the Year: “Praise,” co-written by Brandon Lake and Pat Barrett
Christian Music Publisher of the Year: Essential Music Publishing

Brandon Lake’s Second ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award

Brandon Lake has won the ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year award for the second time. His popular songs include “Praise,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” and “That’s Who I Praise.” A five-time Grammy winner, Lake also received three nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” (with Jelly Roll)
Best CCM Performance/Song for “I Know A Name” (Elevation Worship)
Best CCM Album for King of Hearts

15 Dove Awards

Lake has won 15 Dove Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, and was nominated for a CMA Musical Event of the Year (with Jelly Roll) for “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” In 2024, he received the ASCAP Christian Songwriter/Artist of the Year award.

Song of the Year: “Praise”

“Praise,” co-written by Brandon Lake and Pat Barrett, was published by Essential Music Publishing and Capitol CMG Publishing.

Recorded by Elevation Worship with Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, and Chandler Moore, the song hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs, Christian Airplay, and Christian AC charts, and it is certified double platinum.

Publisher of the Year: Essential Music Publishing

Essential Music Publishing, named ASCAP Christian Music Publisher of the Year, produced some of the year’s most-played songs, including “Goodbye Yesterday,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” “Loves Got a Way,” “Praise,” “That’s Who I Praise,” “The Cross,” “The Prodigal,” “The Truth,” and “Worship Through It.”

Awards Celebration

ASCAP will honor the winning Christian and Country music writers at the ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration on Monday, November 17, in Nashville. A full list of winners is available at ascap nashville awards 2025