The biggest night in universal Christian music is over and the results are in on Wednesday's 39th Annual Dove Awards; which was shown live on the Gospel Music Channel.
tobyMac took home the Artist of the Year award, while Casting Crowns, one of the night's key nominee leaders, collected four trophies out of their six nominations - mostly accredited to group front man and songwriter Mark Hall. tobyMac also racked up awards in the Rock/Contemporary Album and Short-Form Video categories.
Earlier winners on Wednesday were Natalie Grant for female vocalist and Chris Tomlin for male vocalist - their third times winning in their respective categories.
Brandon Heath won new artist of the year - knocking out DeWayne Woods - the big winner at this year's Stellar Awards.
Israel & New Breed won an award for Contemporary Gospel Album for their last album; A Deeper Level.The Clark Sisters, whom were three-time champions at this year's GRAMMYs, were snubbed out of their three nominations at the Dove Awards. Their live performance of "Blessed And Highly Favored" signaled their presence, but left many surprised as to why they went home empty-handed.
American Idol alumni Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey and Mandisa along with Amy Grant performed on a special tribute to renowned songwriter and CCM legend Michael W. Smith and remained one of the night's biggest highlights.
[LOVEY DOVEY]
April 23 will be a big day in the history of the Dove Awards. The 39th Annual Dove Awards not only will be airing live in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry House on the Gospel Music Channel, but the impressive line-up of performing artists are continuing to add up. And the type of diversity is something that should be documented - ultimately proving that the Doves is bound to be the biggest night in Gospel music this year.American Idol finalists Chris Sligh, Mandisa and Phil Stacey have all been added to the extended line-up, along with American Idol winner and Jive Recording Artist Jordin Sparks. Country legend Wynonna Judd, Ricky Skaggs and the Whites, Point of Grace, Natalie Grant, 33 Miles and DeWayne Woods are also set to rock the stage.In a special tribute to Michael W. Smith, the American Idol stars along with Amy Grant will pay tribute to the CCM legend with a special medley.The Clark Sisters and Marvin Sapp are also expected to perform, along with Casting Crowns, Switchfoot, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Israel Houghton, Angella Christie and the David Crowder Band.As announced before, the show will not have a host, but will be led by musical performances and the award announcements.Gospel Music Channel is the exclusive television home for the GMA Dove Awards. GMC is the fastest growing television network in America and can be seen in 40 million homes across the country on DIRECTV channel 338, cable systems including Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Charter, and Knology as well as on Verizon FiOS. In addition to the live telecast - set to air April 23 from 8-10 p.m. (ET), GMC will present back-to-back encore broadcasts that night and additional re-airings following.
Tickets for the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards are currently available at TicketMaster or www.doveawards.com
Coming to a city near you...The Hope Nation Tour, sponsored by World Vision and the Ellis Verne Agency, will feature Myron Butler & Levi, Coko, DeWayne Woods, Jonathan Nelson, Ted Wynn, Canton Jones and Tarsha McMillian-Hamilton.So mark your calendars, it's set to be one of 2008's most talked about gospel tours. Dates and times are tentative and are subject to change.April 11 @ 7:00 p.m.East Birmingham COGIC, Birmingham, ALApril 12 @ 6:00 p.m.
World Changers, Atlanta, GA
April 13 @ 7:00 p.m.
University of Central Arkansas (IdaWaldron Auditorium), Conway, Arkansas
April 15 @ 7:00 p.m.
Revolution Christian Ministries, Grand Rapids, MIApril 16 @ 7:00 p.m.Come2Go Ministries, Fort Wayne, INApril 17 @ 7:00 p.m.West Point Baptist Church, Chicago, ILApril 18 @ 7:00 p.m.Century Center, South Bend, INApril 20 @ 7:00 p.m.Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NCMay 1 @ 7:00 p.m.Calvary Revival Church, Norfolk, VAMay 3 @ 7:00 p.m.Temple of Praise, Washington DCMay 8 @ 7:00 p.m.New Destiny Christian Church, Orlando, FLMay 10 @ 7:00 p.m.Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, Jacksonville, FLMay 15 @ 7:00 p.m.Eastern Star Church, Indianapolis, INMay 16 @ 7:00 p.m.Masonic Temple, Cleveland, OHMay 17 @ 7:00 p.m.Columbus, OHMay 18 @ 7:00 p.m.Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Petersburg, VAMay 23 @ 7:00 p.m.Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church, New Orleans, LAMay 24 @ 7:00 p.m.Beebe Memorial Cathedral Church, Oakland, CAMay 25 @ 7:00 p.m.West Angeles COGIC, Los Angeles, CA