Steven Curtis Chapman collected two trophies during the 40th Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, capping an emotional year for the most decorated singer and songwriter in Christian music.

Chapman, who was named Songwriter of the Year as well as Artist of the Year for the seventh time, has collected five GRAMMY Awards and 56 Doves in his two-decade career. His 5-year-old daughter, Maria Sue, was killed in May 2008 when she was accidentally hit by a vehicle driven by her older brother in the driveway of the family’s home in Nashville.

Chapman performed “Cinderella”—the song from his 2007 release This Moment, which celebrates father-daughter bonds—at the April 23 awards that capped GMA Music Week.

“I know the reason why I think we’re standing here is not something we ever would have signed up for,” said Chapman with wife, Mary Beth, by his side. “Our hope is not in this life. … If we can say anything as a family, a broken family having lost our little girl, it’s to let this hope make us so bold.”

Natalie Grant was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth year in a row, while husband, Bernie Herms, was named Producer of the Year. Brandon Heath, who was New Artist of the Year in 2008, nabbed Male Vocalist of the Year, and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year and Song of the Year for “Give Me Your Eyes.”

Casting Crowns won three awards—including the band’s fifth consecutive Group of the Year honor, Short Form Music Video of the Year for “Slow Fade” and Christmas Album of the Year for Peace on Earth.

Tenth Avenue North was named New Artist of the Year and Third Day won Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Revelation.

Michael W. Smith nabbed two awards, including Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for “A New Hallelujah” and Praise & Worship Album of the Year for A New Hallelujah.

Randy Travis was recognized with the Country Album of the Year for Around the Bend, while Kirk Franklin was awarded Urban Album of the Year for The Fight of My Life.

Martha Munizzi received her first Dove Award, winning in the Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for Change the World—while The Blind Boys of Alabama won the Traditional Gospel Album of the Year for Down in New Orleans.

For the first time, the public was invited to vote online in two categories—Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. GMA officials said 250,000 votes were cast on the Web and via text messaging, including through the first part of the broadcast.

Bill Gaither received a Dove, 40 years after he was recognized with his first trophy at the inaugural Dove Awards ceremony in 1969. GMA’s Angel award was given to Jars of Clay for the veteran band’s work with Blood:Water Mission, a charitable aid organization.

Miss California, Carrie Prejean, who had been in the media spotlight for her answer regarding gay marriage during the Miss USA pageant, introduced the MercyMe song “I Can Only Imagine.”

Other performers and presenters for the awards were Mary Mary, Kierra Sheard, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Chris Sligh, Billy Baldwin, Chynna Vaughan, Sinbad, Richie McDonald, Ronnie Milsap, Tye Tribbett, Jeremy Camp and Rebecca St. James.

The Dove Awards also featured a special tribute to gospel music legend Dottie Rambo, who was killed in a bus accident last year. Sandi Patty performed Rambo’s classic “We Shall Behold Him,” which Patty sang at her first Dove appearance 27 years ago. Four more of Rambo’s classic songs were presented by artists such as country legend Ronnie Milsap, Larnelle Harris, Kim Hopper, Brian Free & Assurance and Jason Crabb.