Fireflight was recognized in three additional categories— Unbreakable, the band’s second major label release, was nominated for Rock/Contemporary Album, and its two chart-topping Rock radio singles were recognized; “Unbreakable,” the project’s title track and first single is up for Rock/Contemporary Song, and “The Hunger” received a nod in the Rock Recorded Song category. As the writers of these two nominated songs, the five individual band members are additionally honored with the opportunity to take home Dove statues for their writer contributions in these categories.

Lead singer Dawn Richardson, reacted to the news from the inside of the band’s mini-bus. She said, “Two words, BLOWN AWAY! We are just so honored to be nominated for the first time, and we are completely floored to have been chosen in 4 categories, especially Artist of the Year! We’re in great company, and really amped to represent ROCK this year in the Artist of the Year category.” She adds, “We thank God, He was our true source of strength for this album.”

John Styll, President of the Gospel Music Association, commented on Fireflight’s outstanding showing in this year’s nominations. “To be included in the Artist of the Year category means they had to be overwhelmingly excellent. It’s

a testament to the band’s hard work this past year. Not only musically, but also connecting with and mobilizing its fans.”

For the first time, fans have an opportunity to vote for the winner of Artist of the Year along with New Artist of the Year. Fan voting, which will be conducted through the Gospel Music Channel website (www.gospelmusicchannel.com) and at www.doveawards.com, will open on Feb. 26, the same day online voting opens for GMA members. The cumulative fan vote, which will continue through the live Dove Awards broadcast, will account for one-third of the total vote in those two categories.

The band’s breakout sophomore album Unbreakable released in March 2008, at No. 10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, following NBC’s feature of the title track in network TV promos for “Bionic Woman.” Along with stellar 5-star reviews, Unbreakable has garnered two No.1 rock singles with “The Hunger,” and the blockbuster title track, which held the top spot at Christian rock radio for 4 weeks. Fireflight was named Gospel Music Channel’s first “Listen Up” Artist of the Month in April 2008. Fireflight’s music has been heard on E! Entertainment’s “Style Network” and in music-video reels at both American Eagle and Journey’s stores across the country. The band recently performed during the “Winter X Games 13” in Aspen, Colo., on the Taco Bell stage. Fireflight is the recent winner of Taco Bell’s inaugural “Feed the Beat” fan-voted promotion.

Fireflight debuted nationally with 2006’s The Healing of Harms, producing two No. 1 rock singles with “You Decide” and “Waiting.” For nearly a decade, the band has remained tireless road warriors on the concert circuit averaging 140 shows a year. Fireflight is: Dawn Richardson, lead vocals; Justin Cox, guitar; Glenn Drennen, guitar; Wendy Drennen, bass; and Phee Shorb, drums.

Dove Awards will be handed out Thursday, April 23rd at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN and broadcast live nationwide on Gospel Music Channel. For more on Fireflight, please visit www.fireflightrock.com, www.myspace.com/fireflight or www.flickerrecords.com.

For more information on Fireflight, visit the JFH Artists Database.