This is a paid release.
Owensboro, Ky. (Jan. 21, 2026) — The Inspirational Country Music Association have selected nominations for their 30th Anniversary Awards in April! This year’s awards have an Owensboro flair to it.
ICMA Artist, Steve Bridgmon, from Owensboro now living in Nashville, picked up 5 nominations including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Inspirational Country Song of the Year (Called You Back Home), Songwriter of the Year, and Vocal Duo Performance with Mitchell Whisnant.
Kentucky Wesleyan College radio station, WKWC 90.3, has been nominated for Radio Station of the Year. WKWC has been a long-time supporter of The Inspirational Country Music Association. You can hear the Country Revival Countdown on WKWC every weekend plus other special programming on Sunday’s.
WKWC Manager and Instructor of Communications, Derik Hancock, has been nominated for Radio Personality of the Year.
Hancock is also the announcer of The Inspirational Country Music Association’s 30th Anniversary Awards on April 6th held at the Grand Ole Opry.
“When I was first asked to be the announcer of the event, I couldn’t believe it. It was bucket list I never knew I had until now. I am actually announcing an awards ceremony at the legendary Grandy Ole Opry in Nashville. Then to be nominated alongside the radio station I love is truly a dream come true. I want to congratulate all the nominees this year!” says Hancock.
“And for the radio station to be recognized in this way is special. I have been proud of WKWC and what it stands for within the community of Owensboro. This nomination just makes me even prouder,” continues Hancock. “The station has been on the air since 1983 and its focus has shifted slightly off and on, but one thing remains the same – it’s dedication to the students, the community, and its unique programming that includes Inspiration Country Music on weekends.”
“My involvement over the last decade with the Inspirational Country Music Association has been amazing. It was only fitting to welcome Derik Hancock and WKWC into the family of stations that spin and promote this genre as well. Congratulations to Kentucky Wesleyan College, WKWC, and Derik Hancock on your nominations.” -Steve Bridgmon, ICMA Male Vocalist of the Year (2024/2025)
“It’s exciting for WKWC and General Manager, Derik Hancock, to be nominated in this year’s ICMA Awards. I am extremely proud of the work of our faculty and students and the growth of the Communication Arts Program at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Such recognitions highlight the talent and demonstrate the professional environment students engage in every day as part of their learning at KWC,” adds Andrew Bolin, Program Coordinator/Associate Professor of Communication Arts at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
The Inspirational Country Music Association is non-profit organization committed to deepening the impact of Christian Country Music and its creators through Support, Outreach, advancement, and Recognition (S.O.A.R). They exist to celebrate and empower the efforts of those who combine Country Music with messages of the Christian faith for the cause of the Gospel.
The Inspirational Country Music Association’s 30th Anniversary Awards is on April 6th at the Grand Ole Opry. Ticket information at Opry.com. Information about the ICMA at InspirationalCountryMusic.com.
Information about Kentucky Wesleyan College and WKWC, visit KWC.edu.
