NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Christian singer Chris Tomlin led the Dove Award nominations for gospel music on Wednesday with nine, including artist of the year and male vocalist of year.
Also leading the field of nominees, with six each, were bands Relient K and the David Crowder Band and female vocalist of the year nominees Natalie Grant and Joy Williams.
The nominations for the 37th annual Dove Awards, which recognize artists in the Christian music industry, were announced Wednesday afternoon in downtown Nashville. The awards from the Gospel Music Association will be presented April 5 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
“I’m kind of in shock,” said Grant, whose fourth album “Awaken” was one of the top sellers of 2005. “For me it’s overwhelming. I had of couple of record deals fall through earlier in my career, so it’s been a long road. I had to work so hard to get here.”
One of gospel music’s most prolific producers, Brown Bannister, is up for seven nominations, including producer of the year, along with six album nominations.
Several of 2005’s biggest Dove Award winners returned with five nominations, including Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, Crabb Family and Israel Houghton.
BarlowGirl and Third Day rounded out of the field of artists with five nods each.
This year’s “American Idol” winner, Carrie Underwood, made her Dove nominations debut with a nod for her song, “Jesus Take the Wheel.”
The nominees for Dove Awards in the top categories are:
Song of the Year (title, writer): “Cry Out to Jesus,” Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Brad Avery, David Carr, Mark Lee. “Friend of God,” Israel Houghton, Michael Gungor. “Held,” Christa Wells. “Hide,” Joy Williams, Jason Houser, Matthew West. “Holy is the Lord,” Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio. “How Great is Our God,” Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash. “Indescribable,” Laura Story, Jesse Reeves. “Lifesong,” Mark Hall. “Only Grace,” Matthew West, Kenny Greenberg. “Voice of Truth,” Mark Hall, Steven Curtis Chapman.
Male Vocalist of the Year: Jeremy Camp, Jason Crabb, Mark Hall, David Phelps, Chris Tomlin
Female Vocalist of the Year: Bethany Dillon, Amy Grant, Natalie Grant, Nichole Nordeman, Joy Williams
Group of the Year: BarlowGirl, Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, Kutless, MercyMe
Artist of the Year: Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin
New Artist of the Year: The Afters, Ernie Haase &Signature Sound, Shawn McDonald, Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart
Producer of the Year: Brown Bannister, Ed Cash, Vince Gill, Mark A. Miller, Otto Price
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