The lineup was announced earlier than usual to generate awareness of the awards show, which previously capped the GMA music industry conference, scrapped for next year.

The conference part of GMA Music Week, which included the Christian Music Retail Conference and music industry leadership workshops, which once drew thousands to Nashville, has faced shrinking attendance in recent years and will be retooled for 2011, GMA officials said.

Tickets for the Dove Awards will go on sale in January. The 2009 Dove Awards were handed out in 43 categories with Brandon Heath and Casting Crowns among the top recipients. The 2010 nominees will be announced in mid- to late February, said Ed Leonard, GMA board chairman and Daywind Music Group president.

The 41st GMA Dove Awards will be taped live for broadcast Saturday, April 24 on the Gospel Music Channel.

Millard and his MercyMe bandmates were recently named Christian Songs Artist of the Decade by Billboard magazine for six No. 1 songs this decade, including "Word of God Speak," which was named the No. 1 Song of the Decade. The group was also named No. 1 Christian AC Song Artist of the Decade.