Nichole Nordeman, Michael W. Smith garner Dove Awards as top artists
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| Time for celebration The 34th Annual Dove Awards were held April 10 at Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tenn., recognizing the Christian music industry’s top artists for their work during the past year. Photo by Morris Abernathy |
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| Nichole’s night Nichole Nordeman took home honors for Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Female Vocalist of the year. Photo by Morris Abernathy |
Nordeman, who captured the same award in 2001, said many performers are much finer china or crystal, but she considers it a privilege to serve beside all of them.
Nordeman's "Holy" was named Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.
Patriotism reigns at Doves in salute to American troops
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--A musical tribute and a prayer for the nation's armed services highlighted a patriotic salute by the Gospel Music Association during the 34th Annual Dove Awards April 10 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tenn.
Great Light of the World
Bebo Norman was nominated for Dove Awards in six categories including Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year for “Great Light of the World,” from his album “Myself When I Am Real.”
Return to the Doves
Sixpence None the Richer, known for crossover hits like “Kiss Me” and “There She Goes,” was nominated for Group of the Year, Modern Rock/Alternative Album of the Year for “Divine Discontent,” and Modern Rock/Alternative Song of the Year for “Breathe Your Name.”
Opening act
Mark Schultz was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year and for writing Song of the Year nominee “Back In His Arms Again.”
From the Down Under
The Australian band Paul Coleman Trio took home honors for New Artist of the Year. Their debut album, “New Map of the World,” was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album earlier this year.
Co-host for the night
CeCe Winans has received 18 Dove Awards over the years, including making history as the first black woman to be named Female Artist of the Year in 1996. She and Steven Curtis Chapman hosted the 34th Annual Dove Awards.
Hall of Fame inductee
Amy Grant, winner of 20 Dove Awards and five Grammys, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Gospel legend
Pat Boone, whose gospel musical career spans back to 1957, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Backstage after his induction, Boone said he’d rather have that honor than any other award in the world.
Tight security
Security was tight for the Dove Awards as crowds stood in lines outside, waiting to be searched before entering the auditorium. Travis Thomas, 12, was no exception.
