Nominations announced for Dove Awards

Christian artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Toby McKeehan recently announced nominations for the 35th Annual Dove Awards in Nashville. The annual Christian music awards show will be held at The Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville April 28.

John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association, said he was pleased with the diversity of styles represented in this year’s Dove nominations. “Gospel music expresses itself in many different ways and we applaud all nominated artists for their unique contributions to the gospel music landscape,” said Styll.

“Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans and Third Day continue to elevate their artistry, making them perennial Dove favorites. At the same time, it is so great to see artists like Switchfoot and Stacie Orrico, while certainly not new to the gospel music community, have the breakout success they have experienced this year. They are all deserving of the recognition these awards are meant to show.”

The Dove Awards recognize Christian musicians from a wide range of categories, from bluegrass to hip hop. This year’s nominations cover over 40 categories in the Gospel music industry. Nominees in some of the major categories include:

Song of the Year: ”All About Love,” Steven Curtis Chapman; “Everything to Me,” Chad Cates, Sue Smith; “Great Light of the World,” Bebo Norman; “He Reigns,” Peter Furler, Steve Taylor; “If We Are The Body,” Mark Hall; “Lord Have Mercy,” Steve Merkel; “Meant to Live,” Jonathan Foreman, Tim Foreman; “Three Wooden Crosses,” Doug Johnson, Kim Williams; “Child of Mine,” Mark Schultz, Chris Eaton; “Word of God Speak,” Pete Kipley, Bart Millard.

Male Vocalist of the Year: Bart Millard, David Phelps, Jeremy Camp, Mark Schultz, Steven Curtis Chapman.

Female Vocalist of the Year: CeCe Winans, Joy Williams, Nichole Nordeman, Rebecca St. James, Stacie Orrico.

Group of the Year: Jars of Clay, MercyMe, Newsboys, Switchfoot, Third Day.

Artist of the Year: MercyMe, Michael W. Smith, Randy Travis, Stacie Orrico, Switchfoot.

New Artist of the Year: Across the Sky, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, Kristy Starling, Todd Agnew.