DOVE AWARDS Spread Praise Among Christian/Gospel Artists

Many others were multi-artist appearances, including the show opener with the New Artist of the Year nominees showing why they are among the best of the new generation of Christian artists. Female vocalist Natalie Grant shared her spotlight with country icon Wynonna in a powerhouse duet of “Bring It All Together.” American Idol® previous finalists Phil Stacey and Chris Sligh made their Dove Awards debut alongside Mandisa and Amy Grant in a musical salute to Michael W. Smith and his 25 years of artistry, singing some of their favorite “Smitty” songs such as “Thy Word,” “Place in This World,” “Secret Ambition” and “Agnus Dei.”

One of the evening’s exclusive highlights was the world premiere of the first song written and recorded for Compassionart, a newly formed charity founded by Delirious? frontman/songwriter Martin Smith that is dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor. Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, Israel Houghton, Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche and Christy Nockels, all who have written songs for Compassionart, performed “So Great” from the upcoming charity-focused CD that will release in the fall.

Appropriately, the Dove Awards closed with a nod to the historic stage they took place on – with a “Opry at the Doves” – starting with Ricky Skaggs and The Whites with “Solid Rock” and Southern gospel favorites Jeff and Sheri Easter, The Hoppers and Karen Peck and New River singing “I Wouldn’t Take Nothin” and then the rousing finale: Charlie Daniels leading a “choir” of artists including Third Day’s Mac Powell, The Isaacs, Angella Christie to close the evening’s festivities with the classic “I’ll Fly Away.”

Some of the notable presenters included Kirk Franklin, Regina Belle, Skillet, Donnie McClurkin, Larry Gaitlin, Bishop Paul Morton, Donnie McClurkin, Aaron Shust, Mark Lowry, Sandi Patty, Rob Beckley (Pillar), Mark Schultz, Leonardo, comics Anita Renfroe and Michael Jr. , Super Bowl championship NFL player Ben Utecht and best-selling author Denise Jackson.