by Hannah Cron | Oct 23, 2021 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
The 52nd Gospel Music Association Dove Awards returned to Lipscomb’s Allen Arena Tuesday night in celebration of a Christian music community that is “stronger together.” After a yearlong hiatus of the in-person ceremony due to COVID-19, the energy of the crowd made one thing clear — everyone was glad to be back. Nominee Kelly Nelon Clark spoke of the feeling of being together again in her red-carpet interview: “We’re so thrilled; I want to hug everybody!” Lipscomb University President Candice McQueen kicked off the show by offering a welcome to campus, which was followed by a stunning performance from We The Kingdom featuring some African musical inspirations. Hosts Natalie Grant and Jonathan McReynolds began their duties with a video skit about the pitfalls of zoom meetings before coming together on the stage to officially open the show. The first award of the evening for Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year went to Koryn Hawthorne for her record “I Am.” Next up were performances from gospel legend CeCe Winans, Tasha Layton and popular new group CAIN. “A Week Away,” directed by Roman White, took home the award for Inspirational Film of the Year, followed by the award for Gospel Artist of the Year which was presented to CeCe Winans for the 24th Dove Award win of her long career. “I feel so encouraged,” Winans said backstage, “and it reminds us that the word of God is always relevant.” Co-host Jonathan McReynolds took to the stage with Mali for a performance of their songs “Best Thing” and “Jump Ship,” and later GMA sweetheart Lauren Daigle returned to the Dove Awards stage...
by Abigail Kopp | Oct 23, 2021 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
When Lipscomb hosted the 2021 Dove Awards this past Tuesday, excitement buzzed throughout campus. Students eagerly watched from the Bell Tower or the back steps of Swang just to get a glimpse at a possible celebrity. Even a few guests sat out and watched from afar before they got to see the Dove Awards for themselves a couple of hours later. A group of three, Jenny, Blake, and Hannah, came all the way from Alabama, visiting the Dove Awards for at least the fourth year now. Many students were excited at the thought to see celebrities as they gathered around Allen Arena to get a glimpse of the event coming up. Students came together to talk about their favorite songs, bands, and more, creating an exciting atmosphere around Allen Arena that started off the award show. Not only did the students have fun watching from outside, but a select few were able to participate in the event by serving wherever help was needed. Student-workers were a seemingly small group of people, but an immensely crucial part to the Dove Awards experience for the guests. One student worker, Mackenzie McConnell, was handing out brochures for the event in the halls of Allen Arena. She said she loved the ambiance of it all and was excited for the chance to see that celebrities were people, too. McConnell has been working for the Events Management Office since the beginning of the summer and said she even got to meet Michael W. Smith when she worked at a concert. Her favorite song by Michael W. Smith is his rendition of “Awesome God”. I...
by Lumination Staff | Oct 21, 2021 | Galleries, News Slider
Before the 52nd annual Dove Awards began Tuesday night, performers and nominees arrived at Lipscomb’s own McQuiddy Gym. The artists arrived with their guests, wearing their best attire, as hundreds of students and other onlookers gathered to watch. After checking in, the artists were guided inside McQuiddy to the red carpet. Cameras flashed and questions were directed to artists such as LeCrae, Lauren Daigle and for KING & COUNTRY. Read Camryn Given’s Story for more Photos by Hannah Cron, Kathryn Farris. Edited by Abigail...
by Camryn Given | Oct 20, 2021 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Before the 52nd annual Dove Awards began Tuesday night, performers and nominees arrived at Lipscomb’s own McQuiddy Gym. The artists arrived with their guests, wearing their best attire, as hundreds of students and other onlookers gathered to watch. After checking in, the artists were guided inside McQuiddy to the red carpet. Cameras flashed and questions were directed to artists such as LeCrae, Lauren Daigle and for KING & COUNTRY. Zach Williams brought along his two children, and Jenn Johnson, a lead singer of Bethel, made an appearance in a stunning green dress. Another fashion standouts were Pastor Mike Jr. in a satin teal suit. He is known for his music with hits such as “I Got It” and his passionate sermons. He talked about his emotions that came up from being back on a college campus. “I just feel like a college kid all over again,” Pastor Mike said. “I’m excited to be here.” His advice to Lipscomb students: “Take advantage of college and begin to grow your gift and become how God calls you to be.” In an interview with Ellie Holcomb and two other members from the recent Faithful project, it was referred to as “a memorable evening.” Holcomb shared her excitement for the 12-song collaboration album made to address how God speaks to women. A real surprise on the carpet was an appearance from Miss Tennessee, Tally Bevis. She wore a sparkling champagne-colored dress and the classic crown and sash for her title. “Celebrating 100 years of Miss America, 52 years of the Dove Awards — it’s a really exciting evening,” Bevis said. As many other...
by Camryn Given | Oct 9, 2021 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
The 52nd annual Dove Awards will take place next Tuesday in Allen Arena, featuring prominent Christian and Gospel musicians. Hosting this year will be first-time host Jonathan McReynolds along with previous host, Natalie Grant, who are both Christian artists. The event took place online in 2020 because of the pandemic, and now as the event returns to in-person, the theme “Stronger Together” reflects this. The event begins with a red carpet event with photos and interviews. Then the hosts take over to announce live performances and category winners. The full list of nominees is posted to the Dove Awards’ website, with categories such as best song, artist and producer. Not only are there categories for Gospel and Contemporary Christian music, but the ceremony extends to genres such as Rap, Bluegrass, and Latino. The Gospel Music Association, the Award’s producer, revealed the nominated artists that will be performing on Tuesday night. They include Lauren Daigle, Elevation Worship and Zach Williams. Tickets are available ranging from $59 to $200. There are also tickets you can purchase for backstage access and artists’ meet and greets. The event will take place on Oct. 19 starting at 6:30 p.m. and will be aired via TBN the following Friday at both 7 p.m. and 9 p.m....
