GMA Dove Awards Re-Cap

Last Year’s Artist of the Year Repeats and Aaron Shust Shares the Awards Spotlight on Gospel Music’s Biggest Night

NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY – Last year artist/songwriter Chris Tomlin went home with an impressive five Dove Awards. He added six more trophies as the most honored artist at the 38th Annual Dove Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Newcomer Aaron Shust was also a major honoree with three Doves, announced John W. Styll, president and CEO of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and executive producer of the GMA Dove Awards.

The GMA Dove Awards is gospel music’s biggest night of the year, where top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows gospel music’s highest honor -- the Dove Award. Hosted by Natalie Grant, Brian Littrell and Donnie McClurkin, the GMA Dove Awards were presented live at the Opry House and will begin airing in national television syndication in May.

Tomlin’s six Dove Awards included Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, two honors he repeats for the second year. “Holy Is The Lord,” a song he co-wrote with Louie Giglio earned him another trophy as did his involvement in the Special Event Album of the Year, Passion: Everything Glorious. His most current CD release, See the Morning accounted for two more awards, as it was honored as both the Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Praise & Worship Album of the Year.

Shust marks his Dove Awards debut with three of the evening’s most prestigious honors, including Songwriter and New Artist of the Year. He also was honored for writing “My Savior My God,” which was named Song of the Year.

“Chris Tomlin and Aaron Shust deserve their moment to rejoice in the recognition their community has bestowed on them with their multiple Dove Awards and it is evident they will be impacting gospel and Christian music for some time to come,” said Styll.

Tomlin and Shust did not shine alone. The more than 30 artists who received Dove Awards reflected the rich and colorful tapestry of gospel/Christian music’s unique embrace of all styles of music. The celebration extended to newcomers and veterans and included Alan Jackson, Jars of Clay, Amy Grant, Andraé Crouch, Kirk Franklin, Casting Crowns, The Crabb Family, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lewis Family and even Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber from VeggieTales.