From Dove and GRAMMY-nominated artists to chart-topping storytellers, this year’s panel represents the very best in Christian songwriting and artistry. Learn more about our judges below!
Anne Wilson:
At just 23, Anne Wilson has emerged as one of the most distinctive new voices in both Christian and country music. With over 2 billion streams, she’s already made history — becoming the first debut female solo artist to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart with her GOLD-certified single “My Jesus.” Her powerful blend of faith and authenticity has earned her a GRAMMY nomination, two GMA Dove Awards, two K-LOVE Fan Awards, and an American Music Award nomination.
A Lexington, Kentucky native, Wilson made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2021 and has since performed more than 150 shows across the country. Her 2022 debut album My Jesus solidified her as a leading light in contemporary Christian and country music, while her latest release, Stars, proves she shines brighter not despite struggle, but because of it. With her transcendent vocals, grounded storytelling, and unwavering devotion, Anne Wilson continues to bridge the worlds of faith and country — always pointing it all back to Him.
Jervis Campbell:
Jervis Campbell is a Nashville-based artist celebrated for his introspective lyrics, signature vocals, and distinctive production style, crafting intimate, authentic songs that resonate deeply with audiences across the country. With over 70 million streams and a growing fanbase both online and on the road, Campbell continues to carve out a powerful space in the world of indie and faith-inspired music.
His 2021 debut full-length album, Onward & Upward, showcased the lyrical and emotional depth of an artist who creates from lived experience. Written, produced, and recorded entirely in his home studio, the project marked a turning point in Campbell’s creative journey. Building on its success, he went on to release two more acclaimed albums, Hopeful Hearts Club and, most recently, good grief. Currently, Campbell is bringing his heartfelt sound to audiences nationwide as he tours with Josiah Queen.
Josh Bailey:
Josh Bailey is a respected A&R and publishing executive and Co-Founder of By Design Music, a modern music company dedicated to championing purpose-driven artists. With over 20 years of experience in artist development, Bailey has guided multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning artists.
He previously served as Senior Vice President of A&R at Capitol Christian Music Group and as SVP of A&R and Publishing at Word Entertainment.
Throughout his career, he has signed and developed more than 50 artists and songwriters, including for KING & COUNTRY, Anne Wilson, TobyMac, Tauren Wells, We The Kingdom, Francesca Battistelli, and Crowder. His creative leadership continues to shape some of the most influential voices in modern faith-based music.
Audrey Assad:
Audrey Assad is a Dove Award–nominated artist with eight studio albums and over 470 million streams to her name. Celebrated for her honest songwriting and ethereal voice, she’s earned accolades including iTunes Christian & Gospel Breakthrough Album of the Year and Amazon’s Best Christian Album. Throughout her career, Assad has written, performed, and toured with artists such as Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Jars of Clay, Rend Collective, Tenth Avenue North, Tritonal, PRAANA, and William Fitzsimmons.
Her latest release, Feel It All, delves into the full spectrum of human emotion, a striking reflection of Assad’s lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Building on the artistry of previous projects like Eden and Peace, the album reaffirms her place as one of the most compelling voices in modern faith-based music.
Karrie Dawley:
Karrie Dawley is the Head of Creative at Anotherland, where she leads creative direction across the label and publishing arms and helps shape the vision for the company’s growing roster of artists and writers.
A respected voice in the music industry, Dawley brings nearly two decades of experience in publishing, A&R, and artist development. Before joining Anotherland, she spent eight years at CCMG, where she served as Senior Vice President of Publishing and signed acclaimed writers like Hank Bentley and Jeff Sojka. Her career began in radio promotion at Provident Label Group in 2003 and evolved through creative and A&R roles at Word Records, EMI/CMG, and Essential Records, where she worked with artists such as Mandisa and Kari Jobe and signed writers including Ethan Hulse and Red Rocks Worship.
Anna Golden:
Anna Golden is a worship artist and songwriter from St. Louis, Missouri, whose path to music has been anything but ordinary. The youngest of four creative siblings, she began her career in Los Angeles as a child performer, working with outlets like Radio Disney before realizing her true calling was in worship. By her mid-teens, she turned from the pressures of mainstream entertainment to ministry, channeling her gifts into leading worship at her local church. By 18, she was overseeing the worship team at Faith Church and independently releasing her own music, combining her natural artistry with a deep sense of purpose.
Her breakout moment came in 2017 when GRAMMY-winning artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard invited her to collaborate on the acclaimed album Heart. Passion. Pursuit., featuring Anna on the powerful track “Gracefully Broken.” That partnership led to Anna becoming the first artist signed to Cobbs Leonard’s imprint, TeeLee Records, in partnership with Motown Gospel. In 2020, her moving rendition of “The Blessing,” alongside her sister Liz Golden and Selena Gomez, went viral and brought new attention to her single “Peace”.
Luke Bower:
Luke Bower is a Texas-born singer-songwriter whose music began as a private expression of faith. Though he dreamed of a career in music from an early age, he initially pursued a degree in finance at Baylor University before returning to music. Leaving school to focus on songwriting, Bower began developing his honest, acoustic sound and a clear purpose: to make music that reflects his relationship with God and speaks to real life.
After sharing his songs online, Bower started building a dedicated following on YouTube and TikTok, where his raw, folk-inspired style and simple storytelling continue to connect with listeners.
Scott Graves:
Scott Graves is an accomplished industry A&R and Music Publishing veteran. He has worked with Warner Music, Sony Music, and Virgin, amongst other prominent music industry names. He is responsible for signing artists like Josh Ritter, Brendan Benson, Langhorne Slim, Lenka, and many more.
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