The 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees were announced by artists CeCe Winans and Jason Roy on Wednesday morning in Shamblin Theater, with Jason Ingram leading with seven nominations and Lauren Daigle securing six.
At last year’s Dove Awards, Daigle won big, receiving New Artist of the Year. Her “How Can It Be” clinched two awards (including Song of the Year) for writers Jason Ingram, Jeff Johnson and Paul Mabury.
“While it’s great to see these artists at the top of their game, it’s even greater to see that they have chosen to use their creative gifts to serve mankind and the greatest Creator,” Mike Fernandez, Lipscomb’s Dean of Entertainment and the Arts, stated, as he opened the event with a word of prayer.
GMA executive director Jackie Patillo, along with radio personalities Wally from Way-FM, Lady Shaunte’ from 760 the Gospel and Doug from the “Family Friendly Morning Show,” also announced a new social media campaign, which is designed to bring awareness to the individuals who are “amplifying love” in their communities. Love Amplified is the theme for this year’s Dove Awards.
The Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, returning to Lipscomb’s campus at Allen Arena for the fourth consecutive year. The show will air on Trinity Broadcasting Network on Sunday, October 16.
Artist of the Year
for King and Country, Word Entertainment
Hillsong United, Hillsong Music Australia/Sparrow Records
Lauren Daigle, Centricity Music
Lecrae, Reach Records
Toby Mac, ForeFront records
New Artist of the Year
Hollyn, Gotee Records
Jordan Feliz, Centricity Music
Stars Go Dim, Word Entertainment
Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration
We Are Messengers, Word Entertainment
Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
Everyday Jesus — Anthony Brown & group therAPy, (producers) Dr. Leonard S. Scott, Bryant S. Scott, Anthony Brown, VaShawn Mitchell
We Give You Praise — Chicago Mass Choir, (producers) Percy Gray, Jr., Demetrius Banks, Cornelius Doles Felicia Welch, Dr. Feranda Wiliamson
WAP New Era — James Hall Worship & Praise, (producers) James Hall, Troy Chambers, Dr. Kevin Bond
Powerful — Japan Mass Choir, (producer) DA Johnson
Level Next — John P. Kee, (producer) John P. Kee
Rap/Hip H0p Album of the Year
Uncomfortable — Andy Mineo, (producers 42 North, Alex Medina, Black Knight, Daniel Steele, Dirty Rice, Elhae, Gabriel Lambirth, Gawvi, Illmind, Jon Bellion
Therapy Session — NF, (producers) Tommee Profitt, David Garcia, The720
Church Clothes 3 – Lecrae, (producers) Black Knight, Epikh Pro, GAWVI, Mykalife, Ryan Righteous, S1
This Time Around – Tedashii, (producers) Gabriel Azucena, Jamaal “Elhae” Jones, Crystal “Crystal Nicole” Johnson-Pompey, John “The Kracken” Williams
Forward — Flame, (producers) SPEC, Courtney Orlando, G. Roc
Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
Cities — Live in New York City — Anberlin, (producer) Aaron Sprinkle
Sound Of The Saints — Audio Adrenaline, (producers), Seth Mosley, Joshua Silverberg, Nick Baumhardt
Dead Man Walking — John Tibbs, (producer) Ben Shive
The Wonderlands: Sunlight & Shadows — Jon Foreman, (producers) Tyler Strickland, Anton Patzner, Neal Avron, Keith Tutt, Aaron Roche, Dan Brigham Jeremy Lutito, Jason Morant
Surrender — Kutless, (producer) Aaron Sprinkle
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“My Story” — Big Daddy Weave, (writers) Mike Weaver, Jason Ingram
“Just Be Held” — Casting Crowns, (writers) Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Matthew West
“Good Good Father” — Chris Tomlin, (writers) Pat Barrett, Tony Brown
“Tell Your Heart To Beat Again” — Danny Gokey, (writers) Jordan Feliz, Colby Wedgeworth, Joshua Silverberg
“Trust In You” — Lauren Daigle, (writers) Paul Mabury, Michael Farren, Lauren Daigle
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Jesus Changed Everything” — Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, (writers) Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey
“Jesus Gave Me Water” — Gaither Vocal Band, (writer) Lucie E. Campbell
“I Am Blessed” — Karen Peck & New River, (writers) Karen Peck Gooch, Kenna West, Michael Farren
“Keep On” — Perrys, (writers) Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey
“Jesus, The One” — The Hoppers, (writer) Paula Stefanovich
Worship Song of the Year
“No Longer Slaves” (writers) Jonathan David Hesler, Brian Johnson, Joel Case (publisher) Bethel Music Publishing
“Good Good Father” — (writers)Jonathan David Hesler, Brian Johnson, Joel Case (publisher) Bethel Music Publishing
“Touch the Sky” — (writers) Joel Houston, Dylan Thomas, Michael Guy Chislett, (publisher Hillsong Music Publishing
“We Believe” — (writers) Travis Ryan, Richie Fike, Matt Hooper, (publishers) Integrity Worship Music, Integrity’s Praise! Music, Life Worship, Travis Ryan Music
“Even So Come” — (writers) Jess Cates, Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin (publisher S. D. G. Publishing, Sixsteps Songs, Worship Together Music, Open Hands Music, So Essential Tunes, Lily Makes Music
To view the full list of nominees from all 44 categories, visit the Dove Awards site.
Photo by Erin Turner