Todd Starnes & Michael Winn

On the river Christian musicians Bebo Norman and Tai Anderson enjoy God's creation kayaking down the Ocoee River in eastern Tennessee with members of the TruthQuest California team. Photo by Justin Veneman

      CLEVELAND, Tenn. (BP)--When Christian musical artist and minister Bebo Norman wants to get away from the busyness of life, he loads up his Wavesport kayak and drives up Interstate 75 from Atlanta to the roaring rapids of east Tennessee's Ocoee River.       Home of the 1996 Olympic Games' whitewater course, more than 200,000 rafting enthusiasts maneuver through the churning waters of the Ocoee each year.

Nicole C. Mullen Nicole C. Mullen won the Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year and a Dove for Short Form video for "Call on Jesus." Photo by Morris Abernathy

      NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Breakthrough artist MercyMe and its lead songwriter, Southern Baptist evangelist Bart Millard, won the prestigious Song of the Year honor for "I Can Only Imagine," capping off a night of celebration for contemporary Christian music at the 33rd Annual Dove Awards April 25 at the Grand Ole Opry House and broadcast nationally by PAX TV.
      Perennial honoree Michael W. Smith earned five Doves, including the evening's major award, Artist of the Year, bringing his career total to 33 awards.
      Last year's big winner, Third Day, added to its momentum with five Doves, taking home Group of the Year for the second straight year.