Ed Leonard, GMA board chairman says, “We could not be more thrilled than to announce Sherri as this year’s host of the Dove Awards. Her talent and magnetic personality coupled with her love of music is a perfect fit for the show. With Sherri as host, we will have a blast at the Doves this year!"

Sherri Shepherd states, “Hosting the Dove Awards in Atlanta means a hot night of Godly music and comedy!”

The GMA Dove Awards is Christian music’s biggest night honoring the successes in music over the past year.

About Sherri Shepherd:
Whether on stage or screen, Daytime® Emmy Award-winner Sherri Shepherd’s magnetic personality and hilarious sense of humor never fails to delight audiences. Aside from co-hosting “The View” on ABC, Shepherd is currently the host of “The Newlywed Game” on the GSN Network, and a frequent guest star as Tracy Morgan’s wife, Angie Jordan, on the Emmy award-winning series “30 Rock.” Along with numerous television and film rolls, Shepherd was featured in the award-winning film “Precious based on the novel Push by Sapphire” and will soon be seen in the upcoming feature “One for the Money.” Shepherd is the author of a humorous autobiography, Permission Slips: Every Woman’s Guide to Giving Yourself a Break (Grand Central Publishing). As a celebrity spokesperson for March of Dimes, Shepherd kicked off 2010’s “March for Babies” by ringing the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange. She is also the national spokesperson for the YAI National Institute. Shepherd was awarded the 2010 Superstar Award at The Dusable Museum of African American History in Chicago and the 2010 BraveHeart Women Authenticity Award from BraveHeart Women Global Community recognizing her work as a trailblazer who inspires women and helping to create change in the world.

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 consists of more than 2000 members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Dove Week 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.

About GMC:
GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com), America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, is the fastest-growing network in television and the number one digital network in perceived value (source: BETA Research). GMC can be seen in over 47 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

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.

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/gospelmusicawards