Beginning Jan. 29, listeners were asked to submit their love stories as inspiration for the “Next Great Love Song,” written and recorded by West. On February 5, Grand Prize winner Ann Mathews’ story, recounting her husband’s unconditional love during her near fatal battle with breast cancer, was chosen as the subject of West’s original song “Hold You Up.” The song debuts today on the K-LOVE morning show and is currently available for purchase via itunes. You can read Ann’s story in its entirety at http://www.klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=5531.

“Doing this ‘Next Great Love Song’ contest with KLOVE has become something I look forward to every year,” says West. “The thought of writing music inspired by the people who actually listen to my music has been really refreshing, and I was honored to read through so many real life love stories. This story from Ann Matthews, a story of unconditional love through some of the most trying circumstances imaginable, had all the ingredients I needed to write the winning song. Thanks to K-LOVE for the opportunity, and to all the listeners for opening a window into their worlds.”

This is the third year West has participated in the “Next Great Love Song” promotion, writing “Waiting For You” in 2008 and last year’s “When I Say I Do.” Mike Tedesco, Promotions Director at KLOVE, comments, “Year after year Matthew West writes a song based on one couples' love story that ends up deeply resonating with the audience as a whole. Listeners hear Matthew's song in February and are still emailing and calling us about it 6 months later. That's powerful.”

For more information on the “Next Great Love Song” promotion, visit www.klove.com

GRAMMY Award nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West catapulted onto the Christian music scene in 2003 with his debut single, “More,” the most played Christian AC song of 2003. The multi-Dove Award nominee has since released three critically-acclaimed recordings, Happy (2003), History (2005), and Something to Say (2008), while dominating radio as the most played Christian artist of 2003, 2008, and 2009, according to Radio & Records. Having never released a single that charted below the Top 10, West’s memorable hits include “Only Grace,” “History,” “Next Thing You Know” and “The Motions.”

Most recently, West was asked to pen the theme song for VeggieTales’ latest Christmas DVD release, Saint Nicholas – A Story Of Joyful Giving. West recorded “Give This Christmas Away” with best-selling, award-winning artist Amy Grant, who performed the radio single alongside Matthew on Fox News programs “Huckabee” and “FOX & Friends.” West’s latest single “Save A Place,” is currently climbing the charts at Christian AC radio.

For more information on Matthew West, visit www.matthewwest.com or www.myspace.com/matthewwest.

About EMI CMG Label Group:
Brentwood, Tennessee-based EMI CMG Label Group is comprised of Sparrow Records, Forefront Records, and Credential Recordings, in addition to providing A&R and marketing support for sixstepsrecords via a joint venture and licensing partnership. Balancing freedom, discipline, creativity, profitability and ministry, EMI CMG Label Group strives for excellence in artist development. The Label Group is a division of EMI Christian Music Group. For further information, please visit www.emicmg.com.

For more info on Matthew West, visit the JFH Artists Database.