<P> `` I Can Only Imagine '' was released in 2001 as the album 's lead single . It gained significant airplay on Christian radio formats before crossing over to mainstream radio formats such as adult contemporary and Top 40 in late 2003 and into 2004 ; to aid in promotion to these markets , a double A-side physical single ( combined with `` Word of God Speak '' ) was released in 2003 . It charted on several formats , including the Billboard Adult Contemporary ( where it peaked at No. 5 ) and the Hot 100 ( where it peaked at No. 71 ) . In 2002 , `` I Can Only Imagine '' earned the Dove Awards for ' Pop / Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ' and ' Song of the Year ' ; Millard earned the Dove Award ' Songwriter of the Year ' at the same ceremony . With 2.5 million copies sold , it is the best - selling Christian single of all time , having been certified 2x platinum by the RIAA . As of 2018 , it is the only Christian song to reach that milestone . </P>
when was i can only imagine the song released
2001