Jelly Roll Weighs in as Christian Singer Forrest Frank Says He Refuses to Accept Awards for ‘Something That Is from Jesus’

“How do you think this compares as profiting from the same music[?]” the country star mused in Frank’s Instagram comments

 

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Forrest Frank announced he would refuse to accept awards in the future due to his religious beliefs
The artist first found success as part of the Christian music duo Surfaces before becoming a solo star
“How do you think this compares as profiting from the same music[?]” country star Jelly Roll asked

Christian singer Forrest Frank sparked a conversation after revealing that he would refuse to accept awards in the future due to his religious beliefs.

Frank, 30, first found success as part of the Christian music duo Surfaces. He made his name as a solo star with “Your Way’s Better,” a track from his second album Child of God II that topped Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart earlier this year before it became a crossover hit on the Hot 100. He was nominated in six categories at the Gospel Music Association’s 2025 Dove Awards, and he scored his first and only Grammy nomination last year for his solo debut, Child of God.

However, in an Oct. 6 Instagram post, Frank wrote that he felt conflicted about being recognized for his work at award shows.

“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, who was named Best New Artist at the 2024 Dove Awards, wrote. “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 onstage at the Dove Awards. I said, ‘I’m still struggling with the concept of seeing this award, but all glory to Jesus, every name will fade away, including mine, except for one name.’”

In his post, Frank added: “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.’ I have decided to take a stance of non-participation. I will not be attending the Doves or the Grammys. 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 going to do compared to that?”

A performer singing with arms outstretched on stage

Forrest Frank performing in April 2025 in Toronto.Jeremychanphotography/Getty

Frank’s stance ignited some criticism and questions in his comments section.

Jelly Roll, a secular country star who is open about his Christian faith, shared two comments on Frank’s post.

“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,” Jelly (real name: Jason Bradley Deford), 40, wrote, also adding: “This is an interesting take – I digi [sic] 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.”

Meanwhile, gospel icon CeCe Winans, 61, expressed her support, commenting, “Stay true to your convictions!!” Similarly, fellow Christian musician Matt Gilman, 40, wrote, “I love this so much!”

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The official account for Kings Kaleidoscope, a Seattle-based Christian rock act fronted by Chadwick Gardner, suggested in the comments that Frank just not submit his work for awards consideration.

“A super clean way to do this is simply not submit your music to awards shows (ie Frank Ocean), then you have zero chance of winning,” a comment from the band’s account read. “To be considered you have to submit your music, which it looks like you or your label/publisher have, why not just bypass that altogether? Thats what we’ve always done.”