Category: News

The Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Brandon Lake takes the lead with sixteen nominations including Artist of the Year. Jeff Pardo received eleven nominations with Chris Brown, Chandler Moore and Jonathan Smith each receiving ten. CeCe Winans and Naomi Raine lead the female nominees with five nominations each. Nominees were announced earlier this morning (July 24) on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host, Tauren Wells.

The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held Monday, October 1, 2024, at the Allen Arena in Nashville, TN, and will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+, and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, Friday, October 4, 2024 at 8 pm and 10 pm ET. A re-broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ on Friday, October 11th, at 8 pm and 10 pm ET.

“I love this moment each year when we get to announce our nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “The Dove Awards are about spreading the message in our music with the world and honoring the work of the amazing artists, songwriters, producers, and film & TV creators in our great community. I’m thrilled for this year’s nominees and can’t wait to celebrate in October.”

The theme for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is “Unite The Song.” “’Unite The Song’ is a heart cry for God’s people to come together in unity,” says host, Tauren Wells. “We get to come together out of our individual corners, from each different stream within the church, to unite around this one song, holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty.”

Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,500 submitted entries. Final round voting will run from August 1st through August 8th, 2024.

Below is a list of the nominations announced on SiriusXM The Message. For the complete list of nominees visit doveawards.com.

Song of the Year Presented by MultiTracks.com
“All Things”
(Writer) Kirk Franklin

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”
(Writers) Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Chandler Moore

“Holy Forever”
(Writers) Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham

“I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)”
(Writers) Jon Reddick, Daniel Carson, David Leonard, Jess Cates, Jonathan Smith

“More Than Able”
(Writers) Chandler Moore, Ben Fielding, Steven Furtick, Naomi Raine

“Praise”
(Writers) Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick, Pat Barrett, Cody Carnes

“Praise You Anywhere”
(Writers) Brandon Lake, Ben Fielding, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley

“Thank God I Do”
(Writers) Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, P!nk, Jeffrey Bhasker, Nate Ruess

“This Is Our God”
(Writers) Phil Wickham, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett

“Trust In God”
(Writers) Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Mitch Wong

Artist of the Year
Anne Wilson
Brandon Lake
CeCe Winans
for KING + COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle

New Artist of the Year Presented by Cantinas Foundation
Charity Gayle
Forrest Frank
Josiah Queen
Seph Schlueter
Terrian

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
“Love Like That” – Hulvey (ft. Torey D’Shaun, Alex Jean)
“IGWT” – Jon Keith, KB
“Miracles” – KB, Lecrae
“In the Light” – Wande
“Hard Work God First” – Zauntee

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Strong” – Anne Wilson
“Any More” – CAIN
“GOOD DAY” – Forrest Frank
“The Prodigal” – Josiah Queen
“Counting My Blessings” – Seph Schlueter

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year
“Praying Woman” – Anne Wilson (ft. Lainey Wilson)
“If I Got Jesus” – Ben Fuller
“tell the devil” – Joseph Habedank
“Man On The Middle Cross” – Rhett Walker
“Lookin’ For You” – Zach Williams (ft. Dolly Parton)

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“I Believe God” – Jekalyn Carr
“God Is (Radio Edit)” – Melvin Crispell III
“When I Think (Live)” – Ricky Dillard
“In My Name” – Smokie Norful
“Burdens Down (Live)” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI
“That’s My King” – CeCe Winans
“Lead Us Again” – DOE
“All Yours” – Kierra Sheard (ft. Anthony Brown)
“Fill The Room” – Michael Bethany
“The Story I’ll Tell (Live)” – Naomi Raine

Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI
“Praise You Anywhere” – Brandon Lake
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live]” – Cody Carnes
“Praise” – Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore)
“Trust In God” – Elevation Worship (ft. Chris Brown)
“I Believe” – Phil Wickham

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
COAT OF MANY COLORS – Brandon Lake
Jesus Music – CAIN
Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack – for KING + COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle
Joy In The Morning (Horizon Edition) – Tauren Wells

Feature Film of the Year
Journey To Bethlehem
Ordinary Angels
Sound of Freedom
The Blind
Unsung Hero

Television Series of the Year
Chasing CAIN
God. Family. Football.
Jonathan & Jesus
The Wingfeather Saga
When Calls the Heart

Gospel Worship Album of the Year
More Than This – CeCe Winans
The Maverick Way Complete – Maverick City Music
Overflow – Michael Bethany
Cover The Earth (Live in New York) – Naomi Raine
The Journey – Todd Dulaney

Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year Presented by Secuencias.com
“Tantas Historias” – Christine D’Clario
“Donante de Sangre” – Daddy Yankee
“Danza” – KB, Niko Eme, Cardec Drums
“Amén” – Nacho (ft. Gilberto Daza, Alex Zurdo)
“Babel” – Un Corazón

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Until We Fly Away” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
“Make the Morning Worth the Midnight” – Gaither Vocal Band
“Here Come Jesus” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (ft. Mo Pitney)
“Sheaves (Dedicated to Isabel)” – Karen Peck & New River
“Unstoppable God” – Kingsmen

The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtus Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.

– From a media release

(CHICAGO, IL) July 23, 2024 – Central City Productions’ highly anticipated annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” revealed the winners for the 39th ceremony. Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards awarded various categories in a taped telecast on Saturday, July 20. Other categories were awarded in a Pre-Show nominee gala. The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8 PM and 11 PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 through September 8, 2024. BET will air the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 4, at 8 PM ET/PT.

Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr led in Stellar Awards 2024 wins. Tye Tribbett received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. The complete list of winners is below.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration

ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music

DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel

CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Warryn Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.

CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade

TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc

CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel

TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration

CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment

TRADITIONAL FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music

CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel

TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
JEKALYN; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music

URBAN SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Rich Laru; My Block Inc.

TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Category Omitted

TRADITIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music

SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration

RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Emanuel; Da T.R.U.T.H.; Mixed Bag Entertainment

YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Shout Praises Kids; Joy to the World; Integrity Music

QUARTET OF THE YEAR
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
JEKALYN; Octavia’s Holmes; Waynorth Music

PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Journey; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK

PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR
“Holy Forever”; CeCe Winans; Red Alliance Media

RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR
“Your Power” ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Lecrae; Reach Records

JAMES CLEVELAND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Tye Tribbett

ARETHA FRANKLIN ICON AWARD
Kim Burrell

TOP MARKET OF THE YEAR
WNZN 89.1 FM, Cleveland

MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR
KOKA 980 AM 93.3 FM, Shreveport

SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR
WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington

INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR
GODRadio1.com, https://streams.radio.co/sf6241e689/listen

SYNDICATED GOSPEL RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR
Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, Erica Campbell & Arlen “Griff” Griffin

GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR
Cheryl Jackson, WPRS Praise 104.1

The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards is sponsored by Procter & Gamble with presenting sponsorship provided by AT&T, State Farm, McDonalds, Disney, Walmart, AFLAC and General Motors. The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and Executive in Charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer and Daniel Moore as music director.

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Theatrical excellence was celebrated Saturday, June 29th at the 2024 ACE (Artists Celebrating Excellence) Awards, held in Greensboro, NC. Congratulations are in order for this year’s winners and honorees.

Best Church Play – Indie
The CruciFIX
Evangel Fellowship, Greensboro

Best Comedian – Indie
Carla Simpson

Best Director – Indie
Eric (Plae) Goodwin, A Man Like Me

Best Female Leading Actor – Indie
Malikah Alston, Motherless Child

Best Female Supporting Actor – Indie
Kela Houston, Vices

Best Male Leading Actor – Indie
Steven S. Fields, A Man Like Me

Best Male Supporting Actor – Indie
Brandonn Odom, WEDDING DAY WORRIES

Best Vocalist – Indie
DeVonté Battle, Don’t Judge Me

Best Production – Indie
WEDDING DAY WORRIES
Reneè Nixon

Best Production Company – Indie
K-Latt Studios
Kevin Lattimore

Best Female Leading Actor in a Musical – Excel
Morgan Jones, Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wiz

Best Female Leading Actor in a Play – Excel
Michelle Paris White, Theater Guild of Rockingham County’s production of A Raisin in the Sun

Best Female Supporting Actor in a Musical – Excel
Adriana Herring, Winston Salem Theater Alliance’s production of The Color Purple: The Musical

Best Female Supporting Actor in a Play – Excel
Lashon R. Hill, Theater Guild of Rockingham County’s production of A Raisin in the Sun

Best Male Leading Actor in a Musical – Excel
Brandon Monroe, Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wiz

Best Male Leading Actor in a Play – Excel
Tony Browley, The Gallery Players Inc.’s production of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Best Male Supporting Actor in a Musical – Excel
Dr. Clint Wilson, Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wiz

Best Male Supporting Actor in a Play – Excel
Otis Simpson, 40+ Stage Company’s production of A Raisin in the Sun

Best Musical – Excel
Kernersville Little Theater’s production of Into the Woods

Best Play – Excel
NC Black Rep’s production of Phenomenal Woman

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

Mabel P. Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Stephanie “Asabi” Howard

Independent Playwright Award
Rory D. Sheriff

Artistic Achievement Award
James Lyons

Outstanding Stage Manager Award
Shaliah Haith-Ince

The ACE Awards was founded by Bishop Terry L. Young with the mission to “bring recognition to the great works being done in Theatre, Film and Performing Arts, to honor their artistic heritage and to provide a platform and a meeting ground for this extensive community.” Bishop Young is also the founder of the DunAmis Gospel Awards.

CCMG also announces hiring of Alexandria Dollar as Senior Director of A&R 

Nashville, TN (June 26, 2024) – Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has announced the promotion of Walter Thomas to Vice President of Artist Development at Motown Gospel and TAMLA Records. Additionally, Alexandria “Dria” Dollar has joined CCMG in the role of Senior Director of A&R at TAMLA & Motown Gospel.

The new position takes Thomas from Director of Artist Development for CCMG in 2023 to his new role which comes with expanded responsibilities including overseeing the growth and nurturing of the company’s artist roster and development initiatives along with facilitating its marketing initiatives. He reports to CCMG Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. Prior to arriving at CCMG, Thomas served as CEO of Agency 22 Music & Entertainment, managing artists such as DOE, JJ Hairston, Jonathan McReynolds,  Maverick City Music, Smokie Norful and more.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Vice President of Artist Development for Motown Gospel and TAMLA,” says Thomas. “These iconic labels have a legacy of inspiring and uplifting music, and I am committed to continuing this tradition by developing the next generation of extraordinary artists. I am equally thrilled to welcome Alexandria Dollar as our new Senior Director of A&R. Alexandria’s innovative approach and keen ear for talent are unmatched, and I am confident that together we will elevate our artists to new heights. This is an exciting time for us, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish at Motown Gospel and TAMLA.” 

“Walter Thomas is a great music executive and we are confident he’ll excel in this new role,” shared Brad O’Donnell, CCMG Co-President. “He has great instincts and strong relationships across the entire industry. I know he’ll serve our artists and partners well in this expanded capacity.”

“I want to congratulate Walter in his new role,” added Hudson Plachy, CCMG Co-President. “We are excited about what he brings to this company and the industry overall.   He’s an experienced executive who is innovative and creative along with passion to serve artists.”

Dollar, a two-time GRAMMY Award winner and recipient of Stellar and Dove Awards, brings a wealth of industry experience and an unparalleled ear for identifying the next big acts across positive hip-hop, R&B, and beyond. In her new position she will work closely with Thomas and spearhead efforts to discover, develop, and sign new talent. Prior to joining CCMG, Dollar served as Director of A&R at Reach Records in Atlanta, GA. collaborating with many of music’s biggest names, including Lecrae, For King + Country, Kirk Franklin, Chloe x Halle, PJ Morton, The Disney Channel, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and more. 

(DURHAM, NC) March 13, 2024 — The world-renowned Gospel Heritage Worship & Arts Summit will be returning after a brief hiatus at The River Church in Durham, NC May 16-18! This three-day intense gospel music industry bootcamp will provide aspiring gospel singers and musicians with the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals. Originally founded by industry veteran Dr. Teresa Hairston-Jackson, this year’s workshop will be hosted by Gospel Heritage President and 7x Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, VaShawn Mitchell. This year’s summit is sure to be an epic experience unlike any other year prior. 

This year’s special honorees include Dr. Judith McAllister, the group Men of Standard, and gospel music legend Pastor Shirley Caesar. Special guest speakers of the summit will also include Bishop William Murphy, Dr. Valerie Moore, and Bishop Ronald L. Godbee.  Other special guests include Gospel Heritage Vice President Dr. John Paul McGee, Anthony Brown, Tonya Baker, Meachum Clarke, Pastor Ruth Ann Wynter, and Todd Garlberth.

Pastor Shirley Caesar, also known as “The First Lady of Gospel Music”, has won 11 Grammy Awards, 14 Stellar Awards and 15 GMA Dove Awards throughout her career and currently has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has also released +40 albums, participated in over sixteen compilations and three musicals.

Dr. Judith McAllister is one of the gospel music industry’s most renowned praise and worship leaders.  She has released four albums, Send Judah First, Raise the Praise, In His Presence: Live!, and Sound the Trumpet. She also served as the President of the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) from 2009 to 2021.

Men of Standard is probably one of the most notable male groups of the gospel industry with two Stellar Award wins to their credit for “Group Duo of the Year” and “Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year for “Feels Like Rain”.

When asked about the return of Gospel Heritage, Mitchell says, ”I’m so happy to be bringing back Gospel Heritage! Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m big on education and this workshop is the perfect opportunity to educate the next generation of worship leaders with impactful insights from the industry’s top heavy hitters.” He continues, “This summit is for pastors, ministry leaders, worship leaders, dancers, musicians, and general worshippers that would like to grow in God and in business. So I’ve curated a list of impactful leaders to help empower the attendees and honor examples of some of the leaders who have excelled.”

(ATLANTA, GA) March 11, 2024 – Stellar Award-winner Lucinda Moore will be recognized with her first BMI Award for her hit song, “Lord I Hear You” at this year’s BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards ceremony. Having garnered +10 million streams and earning a #1 spot on the Media Base chart and #3 on Billboard, it is truly deserving of the prestigious honor.  The heartfelt and uplifting track has struck a chord with audiences and has solidified Moore’s reputation as a powerhouse in the music industry.

When asked about receiving the award, Moore says, “I have been a member of BMI since the early 2000s, and for the first time, I am honored that a song I wrote will be recognized as one of the top songs of the year!” She continues, “When I write songs, I write out of experience. The lyrics of this song was written in 2015 while laying in ICU. I had a cyst the size of a watermelon on my spine. The doctors did surgery and my heart stopped on the table. In my recovery, I began to pen the lyrics of this song and Grammy Award winner, Cedric Thompson co-wrote it with me. I am happy and overjoyed. Thank you, BMI!!!!” 

Moore is no stranger to the gospel music scene and many fans are feeling that she is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. Known for other hit songs including “Pressure into Praise”, she has shared the stage with industry veterans including this year’s “BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Honoree” Dorinda Clark Cole, VaShawn Mitchell, Dottie Peoples, John P. Kee, Deitrick Haddon, Jekalyn Carr and more!  However it was her time singing background for one of her music idols, the legendary Tramaine Hawkins, that truly put her on the map for the world to see. 

“Lord I Hear You” is the title track for her album that was released in June 2023 and is currently available on all streaming platforms.