The world of Christian music has been buzzing with debate and soul-searching since singer-songwriter Forrest Frank announced his intention to step away from the glitz of awards shows, igniting a spirited public exchange with fellow musician Jelly Roll. The conversation, which began on social media and quickly spilled into national headlines, has prompted artists and fans alike to reflect on the role of faith, recognition, and authenticity in the music industry.
On October 12, 2025, country and gospel star Jelly Roll publicly called out Forrest Frank for his decision to boycott awards ceremonies. The spark? A heartfelt video Frank posted to Instagram earlier that week, in which he explained why he would no longer attend or accept awards for his music. In Frank’s words, his songs are “from Jesus and for Jesus,” and he felt spiritually conflicted about accepting earthly praise for what he sees as God’s work.
“As Christians, it’s hard to know where the line in the sand is between being in the world and not of the world,” Frank confessed in his video, as reported by Fox News. He acknowledged that his appearance and presentation might look worldly, but for him, attending award shows was a line he could not cross. “I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus,” he said, adding that this conviction was something he’d struggled with since winning Best New Artist at the Dove Awards the previous year. “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.’”
Frank went on to clarify that his stance was not about rejecting opportunities to be a positive influence. “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 explained. For Frank, the real prize is spiritual: “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 going to do compared to that?”
Frank’s decision was not just theoretical. He announced he would not attend the 2025 Dove Awards, held on October 7, nor the upcoming Grammy Awards, despite his album’s considerable success. His breakout project, Child of God, had debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart in July and held that spot for an impressive 13 weeks, according to the New York Post. The album garnered him two Dove Awards—New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for “GOOD DAY”—and, in November, his first Grammy nomination. Yet, Frank stood firm in his conviction, determined to set an example for young listeners that faith, not fame, should be the ultimate goal.
The reaction to Frank’s stance was immediate and divided. Jelly Roll, never one to mince words, responded on Instagram with a pointed critique: “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.” The comment, which quickly drew hundreds of replies, exposed a rift in the community about the intersection of faith, art, and commerce.
Some fans sided with Jelly Roll, suggesting that Frank’s refusal to accept awards while still profiting from his music was inconsistent. One commenter remarked, “Wait until you see how much he’s charging for a hoodie… sniff test ain’t passing.” Others defended Frank’s right to follow his convictions, with one writing, “The Holy Spirit moves uniquely and Forrest is just expressing his personal conviction towards the awards. One person’s convictions may not be a conviction to others, and that has to be accepted and equally challenged in good faith. You are both incredible vessels for the Lord’s work and you’re both crushing it!!”
Jelly Roll, meanwhile, was having a moment of his own. At the Dove Awards on October 7, he took home the Song of the Year trophy for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” a collaboration with Brandon Lake. In his acceptance speech, Jelly Roll struck a note of revival and encouragement. “The world is hearing about Jesus like they haven’t in decades right now,” he declared, according to Fox News. “There is a revival happening in the United States of America where you can’t go on a corner and not hear about Jesus right now. And while we are hearing about Jesus, I encourage you to put faith on your feet and feet on your faith and walk out of this building and go do for the least.”
Despite their public disagreement, the artists showed flashes of mutual respect. After Jelly Roll’s speech, Frank commented on the Dove Awards’ Instagram post, “Congrats bro!! Keep going for Jesus.” It was a small gesture, but one that hinted at the possibility of unity even amid debate.
Frank’s journey to this crossroads has been anything but conventional. His album Child of God didn’t just top the charts—it reimagined what Christian music could sound like. Frank has said that when he was growing up, there weren’t “cool Christian songs” for every part of life, whether at the gym or the beach. “So, I aspired to make Christian music that I think is cool, I’m just making it the way that I love it. I think that authenticity is what kids resonate with,” he shared in an interview highlighted by Grammy. For Frank, using his full name on the project was a declaration of authenticity; Child of God was, in his words, “the most honest version of himself.”
Frank also made it clear that his commercial success was never the goal. “It’s felt like God is just holding my hand through it, so I can’t take any credit for it,” he explained. The album’s impact, he believes, comes not from chasing recognition but from rediscovering meaning and staying true to his faith.
The debate between Frank and Jelly Roll has opened up a larger conversation within the Christian music community and beyond. How should artists balance their faith with the realities of the music business? Is it possible to remain authentic and humble while also navigating the pressures of fame and commercial success? And what does it mean to be “in the world but not of the world” when your art reaches millions?
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: both Forrest Frank and Jelly Roll are charting their own paths, guided by deeply held beliefs. Their public exchange—sometimes tense, sometimes gracious—has challenged fans and fellow artists to think more deeply about the purpose of their work and the meaning of true reward. In a music scene that often prizes trophies and accolades, their conversation has reminded everyone that, for some, the greatest prize is something you can’t hold in your hand.
