GMA Dove Awards Re-Cap

“The Dove Awards is evidence that the message of the good news of the Gospel knows no musical boundaries and reaches across generations, genres and cultures. The artists, songwriters and producers honored tonight may come from many different backgrounds, but they are connected by excellence, creativity and passion and we congratulate each on their individual honors,” Styll said.

In the “overall” categories, Dove Awards were presented for:

Song – “My Savior, My God” (Aaron Shust)
Artist – Chris Tomlin
New Artist – Aaron Shust
Female Vocalist – Natalie Grant
Male Vocalist – Chris Tomlin
Group – Casting Crowns
Songwriter – Aaron Shust
Producer – Ed Cash

The handing out of the statuettes for the 43 categories was only part of the reason a packed house gathered at the famed Opry House. There were fifteen music performances featuring 25 different artists including the evenings’ top Dove recipients Chris Tomlin and Aaron Shust, along with TobyMac, Mandisa, Kirk Franklin, Take 6, the Caravans, The Crabb Family with Jonathan Butler, MercyMe, Stellar Kart, Kirk Whalum, Brian Littrell, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mac Powell (of Third Day), Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns), DecembeRadio, Family Force 5, Leeland, Red and Brian Free & Assurance. Some of the presenters included Brenda Lee, Michael W. Smith, KJ-52, Ayiesha Woods, Nichole Nordeman, Nicole C. Mullen, Rebecca St. James, Alex Kendrick and Jim McBride from “Facing the Giants,” child actor Grayson Russell, child activist Zach Hunter and Hunter Smith, punter for the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts.

The 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards were produced by Steve Gilreath Television for the sixth straight year. Dove Awards were handed out in 43 categories. Many of the awards were presented during opening ceremonies but only seven awards and all the performances will be part of the television broadcast of the Doves.

The Doves will get its strongest Internet impression ever when Yahoo! features the Dove Awards on the front page of its popular music section at www.music.yahoo.com. Yahoo! Music, with its 20-million daily impressions, will offer official online coverage of the Dove Awards featuring world premiere video streams of five performances, photos and an exclusive backstage recap written by CCM Magazine. Through this exclusive promotion with the GMA, Yahoo! Music will make the Dove Awards its featured music partner on Thursday, April 26.