GMA Dove Awards nominations announced Print
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 02:17 PM America/New_York

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) today announced the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees at a press conference in Atlanta, which was streamed live at www.hearitfirst.com.

Artist of the Year nominees are Casting Crowns, Jason Crabb, Laura Story, LeCrae and The Isaacs. New Artist of the Year nominees are Jamie-Grace, Dara Maclean, Royal Tailor, Beyond The Ashes and The City Harmonic.

Nominees were announced at The Georgian Terrace Hotel by GRAMMY-nominated R&B artist Montell Jordan, known for the hit “This is How We Do It”; BET Lift Every Voice host CoCo Brother; Daytime-EMMY-nominated comedian Chonda Pierce; and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler A.J. Styles.

“The GMA is excited to again honor the artists, songwriters and creative individuals in our community through the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards,” said Jackie Patillo, GMA’s executive director. “This event not only celebrates great work, but provides a platform to further our mission of exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music.”

Atlanta will host the Dove Awards for a second time at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, April 19. Last year, Sherri Shepherd hosted a sold-out show that aired on the Gospel Music Channel and drew 1.5 million viewers.

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees include Chris August, Chris Tomlin, Jason Crabb, Kirk Franklin and Steven Curtis Chapman for Male Vocalist of the Year; Francesca Battistelli, Kari Jobe, Laura Story, Mandisa and Natalie Grant for Female Vocalist of the Year; and Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, Gaither Vocal Band, Needtobreathe and The Isaacs for Group of the Year.

Click here for a full list of nominees.