Sean Rodriguez and Grace + Max headline a standout group of artists, songs and songwriters connected to WieRok Entertainment appearing on the First Round Ballot for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has officially opened First Round voting for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, with multiple WieRok-affiliated artists, songs and songwriters appearing across several of the year’s most competitive categories.

According to the GMA, “The first round ballot for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards is OPEN now through Thursday, July 2 at 8:00pm CT. Results of this ballot will determine the 2026 Dove Nominees.” Voting is open exclusively to GMA Professional Members. Official nominees will be announced following the completion of the first-round voting process, with the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

This year’s ballot represents another significant milestone for WieRok Entertainment, highlighting both established artists and emerging voices whose music has resonated across Christian radio, streaming platforms, churches and concert stages throughout the past year.

Sean Rodriguez Earns Two Major Dove Award Ballot Placements
Leading the way is Sean Rodriguez, who appears on the First Round Ballot in two marquee categories:

• New Artist of the Year
• Pop/Contemporary Christian Recorded Song of the Year – “Just Like God”

Over the past two years, Rodriguez has become one of Christian music’s fastest-rising artists. His energetic blend of contemporary Christian music, pop and rock has connected with listeners worldwide, helping him amass millions of streams while steadily building momentum at Christian radio.

His breakout single, “Just Like God,” quickly became one of the defining songs of his career, earning significant radio support while introducing thousands of new listeners to his music. The song’s message centers on God’s unwavering faithfulness—even when circumstances suggest otherwise—and has become a favorite among both radio programmers and live audiences.

The song is currently spinning on over 25+ stations coast to coast, featured on K-LOVE’s Future Hits curated playlist, and has amassed 600k+ streams across platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music and Pandora. This, coming on the heels of last year’s #1-charting Rock/Contemporary hit, “It Is Finished” (feat. Disciple) crossing over 8M+ streams across major DSP platforms as of Jun. 2026 (learn more).

Rodriguez has also become an increasingly familiar face throughout the Christian music industry, appearing at major events including CMB Momentum (Christian Music Broadcasters), NRB International Convention (National Religious Broadcasters) [2025 and 2026], and performing alongside many of today’s leading Christian artists in addition to headlining major festivals. His authentic storytelling, energetic live performances and growing national profile have positioned him as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices.

A New Artist of the Year nomination would represent another major milestone in a breakout season that continues to gain momentum.

Grace + Max Continue Their Rapid Rise
Also earning multiple First Round Ballot appearances are husband-and-wife duo Grace + Max, whose distinctive blend of worship, pop and heartfelt storytelling continues to connect with audiences across the Christian music landscape.

Their ballot placements include:

• New Artist of the Year
• Pop/Contemporary Christian Recorded Song of the Year – “Flame”

Since launching their recording career, Grace + Max have quickly established themselves as one of Christian music’s most promising new acts. Their music combines polished production with deeply personal lyrics centered on faith, hope and God’s transforming love.

Their latest single, “Flame,” has become their strongest-performing release to date, drawing attention for its powerful message about remaining spiritually passionate in a culture that often grows cold toward faith. The song has continued building momentum across streaming platforms while expanding the duo’s audience through touring, digital content and church ministry opportunities.

Appearing alongside Sean Rodriguez in the New Artist of the Year category underscores the growing impact of the next generation of artists emerging through the WieRok family.

Additional Songs Receive Dove Award Consideration
Beyond Sean Rodriguez and Grace + Max, several additional artists, songwriters and releases connected to the WieRok community also earned placement on this year’s First Round Ballot.

darthy – “Slow Burn”

Emerging artist darthy receives First Round consideration for Pop/Contemporary Christian Recorded Song of the Year with “Slow Burn.”

Known for pushing creative boundaries while maintaining a message rooted in faith, darthy continues developing a unique artistic voice that resonates with younger listeners looking for fresh expressions of Christian music.

Jonathan Turner & Brian Connelly – “He Lives”

In the Worship Recorded Song of the Year category, Jonathan Turner and Brian Connelly’s worship anthem “He Lives” receives First Round recognition.

Built around the hope and victory found in Christ’s resurrection, the song has become a meaningful expression of worship for churches and listeners alike while showcasing strong congregational songwriting. At the time this article’s publish date, “He Lives” is currently #4 on the fan-voted God’s Music Today Top 40 Chart.

The Halls & Ivan Theva – “Maybe”

Also appearing in the Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year category is “Maybe,” performed by The Halls featuring Ivan Theva.

The song’s honest exploration of faith, trust and surrender has connected with listeners looking for authenticity in Christian music while showcasing thoughtful songwriting and emotionally rich performances.

Selah & Natalie Layne – “You Don’t Leave Me”
Co-writer, Karin Simmons

Also appearing in the Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year category is “You Don’t Leave Me,” performed by Selah featuring Natalie Layne.

Rooted in the assurance of God’s unwavering presence, the song offers hope to anyone walking through seasons of uncertainty, reminding listeners that the same God who leads His people is faithful to carry them through every wilderness until the promise is fulfilled. Both Selah and Natalie Layne are longtime contributors and supports of our Writes & Bites events!

Grace Korak – “Done With Me”

Grace Korak’s deeply personal single “Done With Me” appears in the Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year category.

Known for vulnerable songwriting and transparent faith, Korak continues building a reputation as a compelling new songwriter whose music encourages listeners navigating seasons of healing, identity and spiritual growth.

Dawn Michele Receives Songwriting Recognition
Rounding out this year’s ballot placements is “Black Hole” by Altira, which appears in the Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year category.

WieRok celebrates songwriter Dawn Michele, who is one of the song’s credited writers and whose publishing is administered through the company.

A Growing Presence Across Christian Music
Collectively, this year’s First Round Ballot placements reflect the continued growth of the artists, songwriters and creative community surrounding WieRok Entertainment and Amplo Records.

From breakout artists earning New Artist of the Year consideration to songs impacting Christian radio, streaming platforms, churches and live audiences, the breadth of recognition speaks to an exciting season for everyone involved.

As first-round voting continues, the entire team celebrates the opportunity to see so many artists and songs recognized among this year’s outstanding body of Christian music.

Congratulations to Sean Rodriguez, Grace + Max, Grace Korak, The Halls, Ivan Theva, darthy, Jonathan Turner, Brian Connelly, Dawn Michele and every songwriter, producer, musician and creative contributor whose work appears on this year’s First Round Ballot.

Voting for the First Round Ballot remains open through Thursday, July 2 at 8:00 p.m. CT for GMA Professional Members. The official nominees for the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be announced following the conclusion of voting, with the awards taking place Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

About WieRok Entertainment Group | WieRok Entertainment is a full-service label and creative services hub based in Franklin, TN, dedicated to empowering faith-based artists. Founded by Lance and Tammie Wieland, WieRok offers digital distribution, multimedia production, artist management, and industry-leading events like Writes & Bites to foster collaboration and career growth. Home to WieRok Records, Amplo Records, Wie3 Records and distribution channel WieRise Music, the company continues to expand its impact across music and film, helping artists create meaningful, high-quality content that inspires audiences worldwide.