Multi-platinum and eight–time GMA Dove Award winner MercyMe is nominated in two categories for Group of the Year and Song of the Year for “You Reign,” sharing that nomination with co-writer Steven Curtis Chapman. In addition, lead vocalist Bart Millard was nominated for Country Album of the Year for his second solo effort, “Hymned Again.”

Rock Song of the Year winners from last year, Skillet, were honored with Group of the Year, Long Form Video of the Year and Rock Album of the Year nominations, the latter two for their 2008 summer hit CD/DVD project, “Comatose Comes Alive” (Atlantic/Ardent/INO).

Also receiving a Song of the Year and Rock Contemporary Song nod are The Afters for their hit “Never Going Back to OK,” from their album of the same title, which also received a nomination for Rock Contemporary Album.

Worship artist and acclaimed songwriter Laura Story received four nominations, especially notable since they’re also her first GMA Dove Award nominations. Along with the coveted Female Vocalist nod, Story garnered nominations for Inspirational Album of the Year AND Praise & Worship Album of the Year for her 2008 release “Great God Who Saves,” while her song “Bless the Lord” was nominated for “Inspirational Song.”

Veteran Sandi Patty was once again nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, an award she has won 11 times, as well as for Inspirational Album with her project “Songs for the Journey.”

Two INO artists, Addison Road and Fee, were nominated for Best New Artist, while Fee also received a nomination for their participation in the Special Event Album of the Year, “Passion: God of this City.”

Receiving one nomination each were Disciple, for Rock Album of the year with their latest, “Southern Hospitality,” Sandi Patty for Inspirational Album with “Songs for the Journey,” Sara Groves for Christmas Album with her debut Christmas offering, “O Holy Night,” Mark Harris for Inspirational Song with “For the Glory of You” from his 2008 project “Windows and Walls,” and Phil Wickham for his collaboration on the Special Event Album nominated project, “Your Name.”