Nominations for the 2012 Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards were announced this morning at 11:00 at the Georgia Terrace Hotel in Nashville. Announced by R & B artists Montell Jordan, Gotee Records artist Jamie-Grace, Daytime Emmy-nominated comedienne Chonda Pierce and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler AJ Styles, the press conference was streamed live on HearItFirst.
Nominees for the main categories include:
Artist of the Year
Casting Crowns
LeCrae
The Issacs
Jason Crabb
Laura Story
Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris August
Chris Tomlin
Jason Crabb
Steven Curtis Chapman
Kirk Franklin
Female Vocalist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Kari Jobe
Mandisa
Natalie Grant
Laura Story
Group of the Year
NEEDTOBREATHE
The Isaacs
Gaither Vocal Band
David Crowder* Band
Casting Crowns
New Artist of the Year
Beyond the Ashes
Dara Maclean
Jamie Grace
Royal Tailor
The City Harmonic
Song of the Year
Alive, Natalie Grant
Blessings, Laura Story
Celebrate Me Home, Perrys
Glorious Day, Living He Loved Me, Casting Crowns
Hold Me, Jamie Grace
I Smile, Kirk Franklin
I’ve Been Here Before, Ernie Haas and Signature Sound
Please Forgive Me, Gaither Vocal Band
Who Am I, Jason Crabb
The 43rd Annual Dove Awards will return to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on April 19, 2012. Last year’s show was emceed by Sherri Shepherd of ABC’s The View. This year’s host has yet to be announced.
A full list of nominations can be found on the Gospel Music Association’s website.