GMA Gets Diversified

After looking at the GMA’s sheet of nominees for the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards, you might start thinking the organization decided to cover both Christian and gospel talent in the big categories. Probably the most interesting and diverse list of nominations in the premier awards’ history, the Dove Awards were able to open up the floodgates for upcoming talent as diverse as American Idol contestant Mandisa, Marvin Sapp, Group 1 Crew, the Clark Sisters and gospel newcomer DeWayne Woods. CCM favorites Casting Crowns, along with group songwriter Mark Hall, led the list with six nominations in total, while tobMac, renowned worship leader Chris Tomlin and the David Crowder Band tied - receiving five nods. The Clark Sisters, who are now three-time GRAMMY recipients, received four nominations which include Group of the Year and Artist of the Year.

"Gospel and Christian music artists share an expressed intent to honor God through music and the freedom to create their art without stylistic boundaries," said Gospel Music Association President and CEO John W. Styll. "This year's Dove nominations are a testament to that."

A big reason why diversity is being celebrated in this year’s Dove Awards with the main categories opening up to seven slots instead of the traditional five, according to Styll, cites the difficulty "in the past for the artist categories to fairly represent and celebrate the breadth and depth of our music's diversity."

The award show will air live on the Gospel Music Channel from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on April 23 at 8 p.m. Amazingly, there will be no scheduled host for the event. But expect a good show still - performers and presenters will definitely be there to make the event a special one to remember.

[WHEN DOVES CRY]
39th Annual GMA Dove Award Nominees (ChristianityToday.com)
GMA Dove Awards (Official Website)