The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out last Thursday in Nashville in a live show which was broadcast on the Gospel Music Channel. Powerful performances and inspiring acceptance speeches filled the Grand Ole Opry House as the Gospel Music Association celebrated the best in gospel/Christian music. The Dove Awards will have encore presentations on Gospel Music Channel over the next few weeks. Please check www.gospelmusicchannel.com for dates/times.

A few scenes from the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards [Images courtesy of the Gospel Music Association. Click on images to enlarge]:

Steven Curtis Chapman was named Artist of the Year for the seventh time in his career, as well Songwriter of the Year.

TobyMac joins new Christian music duo Chynna-Vaughan to present Artist of the Year at Dove Awards. Earlier, TobyMac received his own Dove for Long Form Video.

Paying tribute to the deceased Dottie Rambo brought musical luminaries together for a moving performance of the Hall of Fame singer-songwriter’s classic songs. From left to right: Kim Hopper, Brian Free & Assurance, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, Jason Crab, Ronnie Milsap, Reba Rambo McGuire, Dony McGuire and Destiny McGuire.

Natalie Grant encouraged young girls to follow their dreams in her acceptance of her Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, the fourth straight year she has been the recipient of that honour.

Sister duo Mary Mary (Tina and Erica Campbell); brought a joyous opening to the Dove Awards with a rousing performance of “Get Up”, which later won a Dove Award for Urban Recorded Song.

Casting Crowns has been crowned Group of the Year five straight years. Christmas Album and Short Form Videos made them triple winners at this year’s Doves.

Brandon Heath juggled his three Dove Award trophies backstage. Heath took home birds for Male Vocalist of the Year; Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year.

Tenth Avenue North received their New Arist of the Year Dove Award, thanks in part to the fans. For the first time, the Gospel Music Association invited music fans to participate in voting for New Artist and Artist of the Year. 250,000 votes were cast online and through text messaging.

The 40th Dove Awards closed with a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Edwin Hawkins’ “Oh Happy Day” recording becoming gospel’s first mainstream crossover hit. Joining Hawkins onstage were the Blind Boys of Alabama, Phil Stacey, Mandisa, Melinda Watts and Donnie McClurkin.

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Backstage At The 40th Annual Dove Awards

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