CarrieAtune: Staying in tune with Christian culture and music

38th Annual Dove Awards winners

Last year artist/songwriter Chris Tomlin went home with five Dove Awards. He added six more trophies as the most honored artist at the 38th Annual Dove Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Newcomer Aaron Shust was also a major honoree with three Doves, announced John W. Styll, president and CEO of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and executive producer of the GMA Dove Awards.

Hosted by Natalie Grant, Brian Littrell, and Donnie McClurkin, the 38th Annual Dove Awards were presented live at the Opry House and will begin airing in national television syndication in May.

Tomlin’s six Dove Awards included Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, two honors he repeats for the second year. “Holy Is The Lord,” a song he co-wrote with Louie Giglio, earned him another trophy as did his involvement in the Special Event Album of the Year, Passion: Everything Glorious. His most current CD release, See the Morning accounted for two more awards, as it was honored as both the Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Praise & Worship Album of the Year.

Shust marks his Dove Awards debut with three of the evening’s most prestigious honors, including Songwriter and New Artist of the Year. He also was honored for writing “My Savior My God,” named Song of the Year.

Tomlin and Shust didn’t shine alone. The more than 30 artists who received Dove Awards reflected the rich and colorful tapestry of gospel/Christian music’s unique embrace of all styles of music. The celebration extended to newcomers and veterans, and included Alan Jackson, Jars of Clay, Amy Grant, Andraé Crouch, Kirk Franklin, Casting Crowns, The Crabb Family, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lewis Family, and even Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber from VeggieTales.

In the “overall” categories, Dove Awards were presented for Song—“My Savior, My God” (Aaron Shust); Artist—Chris Tomlin; New Artist—Aaron Shust; Female Vocalist—Natalie Grant; Male Vocalist—Chris Tomlin; Group—Casting Crowns; Songwriter—Aaron Shust; and Producer—Ed Cash.

posted by Carrie @ 5/03/2007