Gospel Music Association's 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards Nominations Announced Today

Artist of the Year Nominees are Casting Crowns, Jason Crabb, Laura Story, Lecrae, and The Isaacs

New Artist of the Year Nominees are Jamie-Grace, Dara Maclean, Royal Tailor, Beyond The Ashes and The City Harmonic

American Idol Break-out Star Mandisa Nominated along with Array of Top Artists incl. Ricky Skaggs, Switchfoot & Skillet

For full list of nominees go to www.gospelmusic.org

Awards Show to be Held April 19 at Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia

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Feb 22, 2012, 08:06 ET

ATLANTA, Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gospel Music Association (GMA) today announced the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees at a press conference held at The Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta, GA, which was streamed live at HearItFirst. Nominees were announced by GRAMMY nominated R&B artist Montell Jordan, known for his iconic hit "This is How We Do It," BET "Lift Every Voice" host CoCo Brother, Daytime EMMY nominated comedian Chonda Pierce, and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler AJ Styles.

Atlanta will host the Dove Awards for a second time at the Fox Theatre on April 19, 2012, following a sold-out show in 2011 hosted by Sherri Shepherd which aired on the Gospel Music Channel and garnered 1.5 million viewers.

The Dove Awards have featured performances and appearances by some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports, including Whitney Houston, Tim Tebow, Sherri Shepherd and Kathie Lee Gifford. It has showcased many of the nation's leading Christian music artists, including Amy Grant, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Casting Crowns, Mary Mary, Third Day and more.

"The GMA is excited to again honor the artists, songwriters and creative individuals in our community through the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards," said Jackie Patillo, GMA's Executive Director. "This event not only celebrates great work, but provides a platform to further our mission of exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music."

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees include:

Male Vocalist of the Year

Chris August

Chris Tomlin

Jason Crabb

Kirk Franklin

Steven Curtis Chapman

Female Vocalist of the Year:

Francesca Battistelli

Kari Jobe

Laura Story

Mandisa

Natalie Grant

Group of the Year:

Casting Crowns

David Crowder*Band

Gaither Vocal Band

NEEDTOBREATHE

The Isaacs

For more information, please visit www.gospelmusic.org and www.hearitfirst.com.

Please note that all submissions will be reviewed and responded to by March 9th.

Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Fox Theatre Box Office.

About GMA:

Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community membership consists of agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376. www.facebook.com/gospelmusicassociation

About the Fox Theatre:

The historic Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta's premiere venues for live entertainment. The Fox's 4,678 seat theatre is booked more than 300 performances a year ranging from Broadway to rock to comedy to movies. In December 2009, Billboard Magazine ranked the Fox Theatre in Atlanta as "The #1 non-residency venue worldwide for the decade (5,000 seats or less)."

The Fox Theatre is located on Peachtree Street in the middle of the city. Not only is it on the National Historic Register, but it is one of the most beloved landmarks in the city because it is a real memory maker for the citizens of Atlanta. They may have come here to see their first performance or Broadway show; they had their first date here, and maybe even had their first kiss in the balcony. Our ballrooms are spectacular and have hosted everything from Sweet 16s to weddings and corporate events.

About HearItFirst.com:

HearItFirst.com is the best in class, definitive online destination for the Christian music fan. Filled with rich content covering the entire Christian music industry, HIF boasts a membership of over 265,000 registered users, and hosts an array of features on the site, including live concert stream, exclusive videos, full album listening parties, and more. HearItFirst.com is THE destination for Christian music enthusiasts to dig deeper into Christian music enjoy the newest and most exclusive content and information about their favorite artists. http://www.hearitfirst.com