(Nashville, Tenn.) April 24, 2009—The Christian music industry crowned a new Male Vocalist of the Year last night at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, naming singer-songwriter and radio hitmaker Brandon Heath its honored recipient. Heath’s GRAMMY-nominated hit single “Give Me Your Eyes,” off his sophomore album What If We, was also named Song of the Year, for which Heath received a Dove trophy for co-writing the No. 1 song with Jason Ingram. The live broadcast of the 40^th Annual GMA Dove Awards show aired nationwide on the Gospel Music Channel. 

Backstage last night Heath said, “I was surprised to receive Male Vocalist of the Year. With this honor, I hope my voice is not just for singing, but for teaching and confessing and questioning my own generation.”  

When asked about the Song of the Year win, he added, “It was an honor to share this award with my friend Jason Ingram.  I consider myself blessed to be able to write songs that encourage and challenge others.  It feels great to know that you are making a difference in the world.”

“Give Me Your Eyes,” spent 14 weeks at No.1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian AC radio chart, and 27 weeks at No. 1 on iTunes Christian Song Chart, during a 7-month run at the top of the download chart following the song’s release in July 2008.  To date, the album’s breakout first single continues to lead digitally selling more than 310,000 total downloads of the track across all digital providers. The second single “Wait and See” is now climbing radio and iTunes charts.

A third win for Heath came in the Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song for performing and writing “Give Me Your Eyes. 

Brandon Heath was also one of the few artists selected to perform live on the telecast.  Heath performed his giant, award-winning song “Give Me Your Eyes” with a full production supported by a unique step-number by members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Chi Chapter of Fisk University, and a local competitive female step team.

About Brandon Heath: 

Nashville native Brandon Heath was recently featured on the “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric,” while also spotlighted in the Sunday edition (2/8) of The New York Times as a GRAMMY-nominated newcomer “that shouldn't be allowed to slip through the cracks.”  Heath released his breakthrough sophomore album, What If We in 2008, featuring the No.1 song “Give Me Your Eyes” and current single “Wait and See.” Heath’s five total nominations for the Gospel Music Association’s 40^th Annual Dove Awards included Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song, and Special Event Album his recording of Patty Griffin’s “Heavenly Day” on Billy: The Early Years Official Motion Picture Soundtrack.