GRAMMY Nominations Are Out

For the 52nd annual Grammy Awards, a good number of awards will be given to some of this year's favorite artists. This year was a tight but respectable year for good music, which is easily showcased in the list of nominees.

Leading the board of nominees included the triumphant Beyonce' with a resounding ten nominations. The Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell, Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Taylor Swift's Fearless received several nominations as well. Legendary soul vets including Stevie Wonder, for the Obama tribute "All About the Love Again" and Hall & Oates, for their performance of "Sara Smile" on the Live at the Troubadour DVD and album, were also recognized. Whitney Houston, who released her best-selling return album I Look to You, failed to impress the Academy and failed to earn a Grammy nod. Melanie Fiona, one of 2009's biggest debut artists, earned a nod for "It Kills Me" in the Best Female R&B Performance category.

All eyes will be glued to the coveted Song of the Year category as Lady Gaga's "Poker Face," Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and Maxwell's "Pretty Wings" face off.

In the gospel categories, Israel Houghton was nominated twice for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and for the song "Every Prayer" off of his Power of One album. Mary Mary, who also dueted with Houghton on "Every Prayer," walked away with a second nod for Best Gospel Song with their R&B crossover hit "God in Me." This year's most overlooked but industry beloved compilation, the Oh Happy Day soundtrack, received a few glances for Best Gospel Performance ("I Believe" by Jonny Lang & the Fisk Jubilee Singers), Best R&B Performance by Group/Duo with Vocals ("Higher Ground by Robert Randolph & the Clark Sisters) and for Best Traditional Album.

Heather Headley also got two Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel and Best Gospel Performance for her rendition of "Jesus Is Love." J Moss, Matthew West, Sheri Jones-Moffett, tobyMac and Donald Lawrence also were nominated in the gospel categories.

On a side note, Tonex' registered a nod for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the song "Blend." Tonex faces a strong set of neo-soul wonders including Bilal, the Foreign Exchange and Eric Roberson.

Gospel diva Ann Nesby even got her share of recognition for "Sow Love," off of her Lula Lee Project, in the category of Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.

Mentioned earlier this year, the Best Performance by a Gospel Choir or Chorus category was removed from the ballot due to the lack of nominees and album submissions.

To read a full list of this year's set of nominees, click here.

tobyMac, Tomlin and Casting Crowns Big Winners At Doves

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]

tobyMac, Mark Hall, Casting Crowns win big at Dove Awards (Associated Press)
Dove Awards Winners and Nominees (DoveAwards.com)

Doves Honor Unsung Heroes Along with Favorites (ChristianityToday.com)

When Doves Cry (PRAYZE Report)
GMA Gets Diversified (PRAYZE Report)

When Doves Cry Out

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

[LOVEY-DOVEY]
Dove Awards (Official Website)
Gospel Music Channel (Official Website)

GMA Gets Diversified (PRAYZE Report)