Music performances will share center stage at this year’s Dove Awards, showcasing some of Gospel and Christian music’s hottest and most diverse artists. “Artist of the Year” nominees are Francesca Battistelli, Jason Crabb, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Natalie Grant, Marvin Sapp, TobyMac and Chris Tomlin. “New Artist of the Year” nominees are Audrey Assad, Chris August, forever JONES, John Mark McMillan, No Other Name, Kerrie Roberts and Kristian Stanfill. The complete list of nominees is available at www.watchgmctv.com.

To vote for “Artist of the Year,” and “New Artist of the Year,” fans should visit www.watchgmctv.com/fanvote between now and Tuesday, April 12 and follow instructions to cast their vote. Voters have until Tuesday, April 12 at midnight (EST) to be eligible for the giveaway. The lucky entry winner will be notified by April 13. Entry into GMC’s VOTE TO WIN GMA DOVE AWARDS GIVEAWAY is open to residents of the U.S. above the age of 18. Fans who’ve already cast their vote in one or both categories are automatically entered to win.

While www.watchgmctv.com is busy tallying the votes to be revealed on GMC on Easter Sunday, April 24, the site will also be the only source for complete Dove Awards coverage, with winner predictions by the senior music editors, “Song of the Year” story videos, ‘meet the nominee’ features and backstage access the night of the show.

Dove Awards will be handed out in 43 categories. The Dove Awards nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility year from November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010 and voted on by the members of the GMA.

Tickets to the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards are now on sale at the Fox Theatre box office in Atlanta or at www.ticketmaster.com.

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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 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) is America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. In 2010, The Parents Television Council™ awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC was the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor last year.

GMC can be seen in nearly 48 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.