The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards presentation was held on April 23, 2009 recognizing accomplishments of musicians for the year 2008. The show was held at the

Grand Ole Opry House The ''Grand Ole Opry'' is a weekly American country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee, founded on November 28, 1925, by George D. Hay as a one-hour radio "barn dance" on WSM. Currently owned and operated by Opry Entertainment (a divis ...

Nashville, Tennessee Nashville is the capital city of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat, seat of Davidson County, Tennessee, Davidson County. With a population of 689,447 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 U.S. census, Nashville is the List of muni ...

, and was hosted by Rebecca St. James,

Matthew West Matthew Joseph West (born April 25, 1977) is an American contemporary Christian musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He has released five studio albums and is known for his songs "More", "You Are Everything", and " The Motions". He was nomin ...

, and

Lisa Kimmey Out of Eden was an American gospel music group often identified with R&B and contemporary Christian music. It featured sisters Lisa Kimmey, Andrea Kimmey-Baca, and Danielle Kimmey. The group was active from 1994 to 2006, producing seven albums ...

. Nominations were announced on February 20, 2009 by

, Dan Evans and Jackie Evans during a press conference at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Information Center in

Steven Curtis Chapman Steven Curtis Chapman (born November 21, 1962) is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, author, and social activist. Chapman began his career in the late 1980s as a songwriter and performer of conte ...

won two awards, including Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, while

Tenth Avenue North Tenth Avenue North was an American contemporary Christian music (CCM) band from West Palm Beach, Florida that was active from 2000 to 2021. The group was formed while its founding members attended Palm Beach Atlantic University took its name f ...

won New Artist of the Year.

Casting Crowns Casting Crowns is a contemporary Christian and Christian rock band started in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall, who serves as the band's lead vocalist, as part of a youth group at First Baptist Church in Downtown Daytona Beach, Florida. They lat ...

and

Brandon Heath Brandon Heath Knell (born July 21, 1978) is an American contemporary Christian musician, singer, and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. He has released six studio albums: ''Don't Get Comfortable'' (2006), ''What If We'' (2008), ''Leaving Ede ...

each won three awards. Other multiple winners include:

Third Day Third Day was a Christian rock band formed in Marietta, Georgia during the 1990s. The band was founded by lead singer Mac Powell, guitarist Mark Lee (both of whom were the only constant members) and Billy Wilkins. Drummer David Carr was the ...

The Blind Boys of Alabama The Blind Boys of Alabama, also billed as The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and Clarence Fountain and the Blind Boys of Alabama, is an American gospel group. The group was founded in 1939 in Talladega, Alabama, and has featured a changing roster ...

, and

Michael W. Smith Michael Whitaker Smith (born October 7, 1957) is an American musician who has charted in both contemporary Christian and mainstream charts. His biggest success in mainstream music was in 1991 when " Place in This World" hit No. 6 on the '' ...

Performers

;Pre-telecast *

Meredith Andrews Meredith Frances Sooter (born January 19, 1983), known professionally as Meredith Andrews, is a contemporary Christian music artist, songwriter, and worship leader. She has won two Dove Awards. Biography Andrews grew up in Wilson, North Ca ...

Downhere Downhere (stylized as downhere) is a Christian rock band from Canada. They have released six studio albums to date: ''downhere'' (2001), ''So Much for Substitutes'' (2003), ''Wide-Eyed and Mystified'' (2006), ''Ending Is Beginning'' (2008), ...

* J.R. ;Telecast ceremony The following performed:

Presenters

;Telecast ceremony The following presented:DOVE AWARDS CELEBRATES 40TH YEARS WITH GOOD NEWS
on GospelMusicUpdate (April 24, 2009) *

William Baldwin William Joseph Baldwin (born February 21, 1963), Note: While birthplace is routinely listed as Massapequa, that town has no hospital, and brother Alec Baldwin was born in nearby Amityville, which does. known also as Billy Baldwin,is an America ...

*Chyna Vaughan (

Chyna Phillips Chynna Gilliam Phillips (born February 12, 1968) is an American singer and actress, and a member of the vocal group Wilson Phillips. She is the daughter of the Mamas & the Papas band members John Phillips (musician), John and Michelle Phillips an ...

and Vaughan Penn) * Sinbad *

A.J. Styles Allen Neal Jones (born June 2, 1977), better known by his ring name AJ Styles (also stylized as A.J. Styles), is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand. Regarded as one of the best ...

Mandisa Mandisa Lynn Hundley (born October 2, 1976), known professionally as Mandisa, is an American gospel and contemporary Christian recording artist. Her career began as a contestant in the fifth season of ''American Idol'', in which she finished in ...

Phil Stacey Joel Philip Stacey (born January 21, 1978) is an American singer who first gained national attention on season 6 A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On ...

Fireflight Fireflight is an American Christian rock band formed in Eustis, Florida in 1999. The band was signed by Flicker Records. The band currently consists of Dawn Michele, Glenn and Wendy Drennen and Justin Cox (who left in 2013 but rejoined in 201 ...

– introduced

Kirk Franklin Kirk Dewayne Franklin (born January 26, 1970) is an American songwriter, choir director, gospel singer, and rapper. He is best known for leading urban contemporary gospel ensembles such as The Family, God's Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC) a ...

Richie McDonald Richard Vance McDonald (born February 6, 1962) is an American country music singer and songwriter. From 1998 until his departure in 2007, he was the lead singer of the group Lonestar, which recorded seven studio albums on BNA Records during his t ...

Ronnie Milsap Ronnie Lee Milsap (born Ronald Lee Millsaps; January 16, 1943) is an American country music singer and pianist. He was one of country music's most popular and influential performers of the 1970s and 1980s. Nearly completely blind from birth, ...

Tye Tribbett Tyrone "Tye" Tribbett (born January 26, 1976) is an American gospel music singer, songwriter and keyboardist. He is choir director and founder of the Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award-winning gospel group Tye Tribbett & G.A. (short for 'Greater ...

Jeremy Camp Jeremy Thomas Camp (born January 12, 1978) is an American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter from Lafayette, Indiana. He has released eleven albums, four of them RIAA-certified as Gold, and two live albums. Camp's original musi ...

Martha Munizzi Martha Denise Munizzi (born February 26, 1968) is an American Christian music singer, songwriter, author, and pastor. Early years A native of central Florida, Martha Munizzi was born into a Christian musical family. The daughter of evangelists ...

* Mary Alessi * DecembeRadio *

GRITS Grits are a type of porridge made from boiled cornmeal. Hominy grits are a type of grits made from hominy – corn that has been treated with an alkali in a process called nixtamalization, with the pericarp (ovary wall) removed. Grits are oft ...

Jason Crabb Jason Douglas Crabb (born March 3, 1977) is a Christian music singer and musician. He has been the lead vocalist for the group The Crabb Family.

* Kim Hopper *

The Afters The Afters is an American Christian pop rock band founded by Joshua Havens and Matt Fuqua. Havens and Fuqua first worked together in a Starbucks coffee shop in Mesquite, Texas, where they performed songs for customers, before deciding to form a ...

Canton Jones Canton Dorrelle Jones (born January 9, 1977) is an American Christian musician and Christian hip-hop artist. Biography Early years Canton Dorrelle Jones, was born on January 9, 1977, in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and began singing at the ag ...

* Isaiah D. Thomas * Marty Magehee * Mark Harris *

Wayne Watson Wayne may refer to: People with the given name and surname * Wayne (given name) * Wayne (surname) Geographical Places with name ''Wayne'' may take their name from a person with that surname; the most famous such person was Gen. "Mad" Antho ...

Damita Haddon Damita Chandler (born Damita Dawn Bass on September 4, 1971) is an American gospel singer. Biography Damita was born as Damita Dawn Bass on September 4, 1971, in Detroit, Michigan. Damita has an identical twin sister Marguerita Bass. Damita's ...

* Mac Powell – introduced the "

Oh Happy Day "Oh Happy Day" is a 1967 gospel music arrangement of the 1755 hymn by clergyman Philip Doddridge. Recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, it became an international hit in 1969, reaching No. 4 on the US Singles Chart, No. 1 in France, Germany, an ...

" tribute *

Carrie Prejean Caroline Michelle "Carrie" Prejean Boller (; born 1987) is an American model, former Miss California USA 2009, and Miss USA 2009 first runner-up. Prejean was stripped of her Miss California USA crown for alleged breaches of contract. Litigation ...

– introduced

MercyMe MercyMe is an American contemporary Christian music band founded in Edmond, Oklahoma. The band consists of lead vocalist Bart Millard, percussionist Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul. The b ...

Awards

General

;Artist of the Year *

Marvin Sapp Bishop Marvin Louis Sapp Sr. (born January 28, 1967) is an American Gospel music singer-songwriter who recorded with the group Commissioned during the 1990s before beginning a record-breaking solo career. Sapp is also the founder and former sen ...

TobyMac Toby McKeehan (born Kevin Michael McKeehan; October 22, 1964), better known by his stage name TobyMac (styled tobyMac or TOBYMAC), is an American contemporary Christian music singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He was first known f ...

Chris Tomlin Christopher Dwayne Tomlin (born May 4, 1972) is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, and worship leader from Grand Saline, Texas, United States, who has sold over 7 million records. He is a member of Passion Conferences ...

;New Artist of the Year * Addison Road *

Francesca Battistelli Francesca Battistelli (born May 18, 1985) is an American Christian singer and songwriter. She was originally an independent artist and had released an independent album, ''Just a Breath'', in 2004. Her first studio album on Fervent Records, '' M ...

Fee A fee is the price one pays as remuneration for rights or services. Fees usually allow for overhead, wages, costs, and markup. Traditionally, professionals in the United Kingdom (and previously the Republic of Ireland) receive a fee in contra ...

* Jonathan Nelson *

Remedy Drive Remedy Drive is an American alternative rock band founded in 1998 in Lincoln, Nebraska. They are now based in Nashville. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist David Zach, bassist Corey Horn, and drummer Timmy Jones (with an extended ap ...

Chris Sligh Charles Christopher Sligh (born April 13, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, producer and pastor who was a finalist on the sixth season of ''American Idol'', finishing in tenth place. He has released 14 albums since 2001 as a solo artist, wi ...

;Group of the Year *

David Crowder Band David Crowder Band (stylized as David Crowder*Band and The David Crowder*Band) was a six-piece Christian rock and modern worship band from Waco, Texas. Their final album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian and No. 2 on the B ...

* Ernie Haase & Signature Sound *

Mary Mary Mary Mary is a female American urban contemporary gospel duo composed of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell (born April 29, 1972) and Trecina Atkins-Campbell (born May 1, 1974). Formed in 1998, Mary Mary was launched into mainstream recognition fo ...

Skillet A frying pan, frypan, or skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is typically in diameter with relatively low sides that flare outwards, a long handle, and no lid. Larger pans may have a small grab ha ...

;Male Vocalist of the Year *

Jon Foreman Jonathan Mark Foreman (born October 22, 1976) is an American musician, the lead singer, guitarist, main songwriter and co-founder of the alternative rock band Switchfoot. He started Switchfoot in 1996 with drummer Chad Butler and his brother Ti ...

Ernie Haase Raymond Ernest "Ernie" Haase III (born December 12, 1964) is an American Southern gospel singer. He is best known as the tenor vocalist and founder of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound since 2002, as well as being a former tenor vocalist of the Cath ...

* David Phelps *

;Female Vocalist of the Year *

Brooke Fraser Brooke Gabrielle Ligertwood (née Fraser; born 15 December 1983) better known by her maiden name Brooke Fraser, is a New Zealand singer and songwriter best known for her hit single " Something in the Water", released in 2010. Fraser released two ...

* Karen Peck Gooch *

Natalie Grant Natalie Diane Grant (born December 21, 1971) is an American singer and songwriter of contemporary Christian music. She received the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year four consecutive years (2006, 2007, 2008 an ...

Sandi Patty Sandra Faye "Sandi" Patty (born July 12, 1956) is an American Christian music singer, known for her wide soprano vocal range and expressive flexibility. Biography Early life Patty was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, into a family of musician ...

* Laura Story ;Song of the Year *"

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) ''See the Morning'' is the fourth studio album by Chris Tomlin released on September 26, 2006. The title comes from that idea that "our God is as faithful as the rising sun" and is the "Light of the World". The album was originally released in t ...

" –

Louie Giglio Louie Giglio (pronounced GIG-leo; born June 30, 1958) is an American Christian pastor. He is the leader of Passion City Church, located in Atlanta, Georgia. The founder of the Passion Movement, he is an author and public speaker. Biography Gigl ...

, Chris Tomlin, songwriters *"

Cinderella "Cinderella",; french: link=no, Cendrillon; german: link=no, Aschenputtel) or "The Little Glass Slipper", is a folk tale with thousands of variants throughout the world.Dundes, Alan. Cinderella, a Casebook. Madison, Wis: University of Wisconsi ...

" –

**Steven Curtis Chapman, songwriter *"Empty Me" –

**Chris Sligh, Clint Lagerberg, Tony Wood *"

Give Me Your Eyes "Give Me Your Eyes" is a song by contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath from his second album, ''What If We''. It was released in July 2008 as the album's lead single and quickly gained success. It sold nearly 6,000 downloads in the first ...

" –

**Brandon Heath,

Jason Ingram Jason David Ingram is an American Christian music producer and songwriter. He has been a songwriter for many Christian artists, including Bebo Norman and Point of Grace. Career Around the end of 2001, he was the first artist to be signed to ...

, songwriters *"I Will Not Be Moved" –

**Natalie Grant, songwriter *"I'm Letting Go" –

**Francesca Battistelli, Tony Wood,

Ian Eskelin Ian Eskelin (born October 17, 1969), is a record producer, songwriter, solo artist, and founding member and lead singer of the Grammy-nominated Christian rock band All Star United, and president of recording and publishing company Radiate Music ...

, songwriters *'' Mighty to Save'' –

Hillsong Church Hillsong Church, commonly known as Hillsong, is a global Evangelical charismatic movement, charismatic Christian megachurch based in Australia. The original church was established in 1983 as Hills Christian Life Centre, in Baulkham Hills, New ...

**Ben Fielding,

Reuben Morgan Reuben Timothy Morgan (born 9 August 1975) is an Australian worship pastor at Hillsong Church and one of several worship leaders and songwriters in Hillsong Worship group. Prior to this he was a worship pastor at Hillsong Church in Sydney, ...

, songwriters *"Never Going Back to OK" –

**Matt Fuqua, Josh Havens, Brad Wigg, Dan Muckala, songwriters *"Reason Enough" – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound **Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, songwriters *"You Reign" –

**Bart Millard, Barry Graul, Steven Curtis Chapman, songwriters ;Songwriter of the Year *

;Producer of the Year *

Brown Bannister Elliott Brown Bannister III (born August 15, 1951) is an contemporary Christian music (CCM) producer and songwriter. Bannister released one album of his own, ''Talk to One Another'', in 1981 on NewPax Records. It was reissued on the Reunion Recor ...

Ed Cash Edmond Martin Cash (born August 6, 1971) is a producer, songwriter, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. AllMusic/ref> He was named the "Producer of the Year" at the Gospel Music Awards for four consecutive years (2004–2007) and gains recogn ...

* Wayne Haun *

Bernie Herms Bernhard "Bernie" Herms (born March 26, 1972) is a Canadian composer, songwriter, and music producer in Nashville, Tennessee. He has received and been nominated for Grammy Awards, GMA Dove Awards, and GMA Canada Covenant Awards, due to his song ...

and Rusty Varenkamp

Pop

;Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year * "

" –

* "

" –

* "I Will Not Be Moved" –

* "I’m Letting Go" –

* "

This Is Home "This is Home" is a song written and recorded by American rock band Switchfoot for the soundtrack of the 2008 film '' The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian''. The song was featured during the end credits of the film. It was the 17th-most-played ...

" –

Switchfoot Switchfoot is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band's members are Jon Foreman (lead vocals, guitar), Tim Foreman (bass guitar, backing vocals), Chad Butler (drums, percussion), and Jerome Fontamillas (guitar, keyboards, back ...

;Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year * ''Bebo Norman'' –

Bebo Norman Jeffery Stephen "Bebo" Norman (born May 29, 1973) is a former contemporary Christian musician from Columbus, Georgia, US. His most successful album to date is ''Myself When I Am Real'', which included hit songs "Great Light of the World" and "Fall ...

* '' Fall & Winter'' –

* '' My Paper Heart'' –

* ''

Relentless Relentless may refer to: Film * ''Relentless'' (1948 film), an American film directed by George Sherman * ''Relentless'', a 1977 American television film starring Will Sampson * ''Relentless'' (1989 film), an American crime film starring Jud ...

'' –

* ''

Revelation In religion and theology, revelation is the revealing or disclosing of some form of truth or knowledge through communication with a deity or other supernatural entity or entities. Background Inspiration – such as that bestowed by God on the ...

'' –

Rock

;Rock Recorded Song of the Year * "Better Man" – DecembeRadio * "For The Love Of The Game" –

Pillar A column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member. ...

* "Lost" –

Red Red is the color at the long wavelength end of the visible spectrum of light, next to orange and opposite violet. It has a dominant wavelength of approximately 625–740 nanometres. It is a primary color in the RGB color model and a secondar ...

* "Shine Like The Stars" –

Stellar Kart Stellar Kart was an American pop punk band from Phoenix, Arizona, signed to Inpop Records and Capitol Records. The band released their first album, '' All Gas. No Brake'', in February 2005. Most of their singles have been accepted exclusively o ...

* "The Hunger" –

;Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year * "Find You Waiting" – DecembeRadio * "Keys To The Kingdom" –

Group 1 Crew Group 1 Crew was an American Christian hip hop band signed to Fervent Records and Warner Bros. Records. They made their debut with the hit song "Can't Go On" on WOW Hits 2007. Soon after they released their first EP ''I have a dream'' (2006), ...

* "Never Going Back To OK" –

* "

Unbreakable Unbreakable may refer to: * '' Unbreakable: My Story, My Way'', a book written by Jenni Rivera * Unbreakable (horse) (1935–1962), a Thoroughbred racehorse and sire Film and television * ''Unbreakable'' (film series), a trilogy directed by M ...

" –

* " Washed by the Water" –

Needtobreathe Needtobreathe (stylized as NEEDTOBREATHE) is an American rock band from Seneca, South Carolina. The band is composed of Bear Rinehart (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Seth Bolt (backing vocals, bass), Josh Lovelace (backing vocals, keys), Randall H ...

;Rock Album of the Year * ''

Comatose Comes Alive ''Comatose Comes Alive'' is the second live album by American Christian rock band Skillet, which peaked at No. 164 on the Billboard 200. It is the band's first combination CD/DVD of live recording, as their first official live album was 2000's ' ...

'' –

* '' For The Love Of The Game'' –

* '' Satisfied'' – DecembeRadio * ''

Southern Hospitality Southern hospitality is a phrase used in American English to describe cultural stereotype of the Southern United States, with residents perceived to show kindness, warmth, and welcoming of visitors to their homes, or to the South in general. Orig ...

'' –

Disciple A disciple is a follower and student of a mentor, teacher, or other figure. It can refer to: Religion * Disciple (Christianity), a student of Jesus Christ * Twelve Apostles of Jesus, sometimes called the Twelve Disciples * Seventy disciples in t ...

* ''

To Know That You're Alive ''To Know That You're Alive'' is the fifth full-length studio album by the Christian rock band Kutless. It was released on June 24, 2008. It is their first album to feature guitarist Nick DePartee, who took over the position after long-time membe ...

'' –

Kutless Kutless is an American Christian rock band from Portland, Oregon formed in 1999. Since their formation, they have released multiple studio albums and one live album, ''Live from Portland''. They have sold over 3 million records worldwide. H ...

;Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year * ''

Daylight Is Coming ''Daylight Is Coming'' is the first non-independent album from Christian rock band Remedy Drive. The album was released on August 26, 2008, on Word Records. It peaked at No. 119 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and No. 5 on the Hot Christian Albums. O ...

'' –

* ''

Expect the Impossible ''Expect the Impossible'' is the third studio album from the Christian pop punk band, Stellar Kart. It was released on February 26, 2008 under Word Records. Awards The album was nominated for a Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year ...

'' –

* ''

Hello ''Hello'' is a salutation or greeting in the English language. It is first attested in writing from 1826. Early uses ''Hello'', with that spelling, was used in publications in the U.S. as early as the 18 October 1826 edition of the ''Norwich C ...

'' –

After Edmund After Edmund was an art rock band from LaGrange, Georgia. Band history The members of After Edmund formed as a band in 2001, originally under the name ''Taken''.

* ''

Never Going Back to OK ''Never Going Back to OK'' is the second album by Christian rock group The Afters, released on February 26, 2008. The first single from the album is the title track, "Never Going Back to OK". The track has been released as a streaming file on ...

'' –

* ''

'' –

Rap/Hip-Hop

;Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year * "Beautiful Morning" –

, featuring

Pigeon John John Kenneth Dust (born John Kenneth Dunkin: November 30, 1972), better known by the stage name Pigeon John, is an American rapper based in Los Angeles, California. He is a former member of L.A. Symphony. Early life Pigeon John claims that his ...

* "

Do Yo Thang "Do Yo Thang" is a song by Christian hip hop musician KJ-52, from his 2007 album ''The Yearbook''. In 2009, it won the GMA Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year at the 40th GMA Dove Awards. The song has been described as a "party" ...

" –

KJ-52 Jonah Kirsten Sorrentino (born June 26, 1975), better known by his stage name KJ-52, is a Christian rapper from Tampa, Florida. The "KJ" part of his name refers to his old rap alias, "King J. Mac,"

* "Joyful Noise" – Flame, featuring

Lecrae Lecrae Devaughn Moore (born October 9, 1979), mononymously known as Lecrae, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record and film producer, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur. He is the president, co-owner and co-founder of the ind ...

& John Reilly * "Pull Your Pants Up!" – Dooney “Da Priest” * "So Beautiful" –

Manafest Christopher Scott Greenwood (born July 19, 1979), known by his stage name Manafest, is a Canadian Christian rapper and rock artist from Pickering, Ontario, Canada. He has won multiple awards for the GMA Canada Covenant Awards, GMA Dove Award ...

, featuring

Trevor McNevan Trevor McNevan is a Canadian singer who is best known as the lead singer, songwriter and rapper of Thousand Foot Krutch, lead singer and songwriter of pop punk side project FM Static along with Steve Augustine (the third Thousand Foot Krutch dr ...

;Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year * ''

Citizens Activ ''Citizens Activ'' is the fourth studio album by the Christian rapper Manafest. It was released on May 28, 2008 in Japan and shortly after released globally on June 24, under BEC Recordings. The release contains the singles "4-3-2-1", "So Beau ...

'' –

* ''

Ordinary Dreamers ''Ordinary Dreamers'' is the second full-length studio album by Christian hip hop band Group 1 Crew. It was released on September 16, 2008 through Fervent Records. The album charted at No. 15 on ''Billboards Top Heatseekers chart. The album was pr ...

'' –

* ''Pull Your Pants Up!'' – Dooney “Da Priest” * ''

Rebel A rebel is a participant in a rebellion. Rebel or rebels may also refer to: People * Rebel (given name) * Rebel (surname) * Patriot (American Revolution), during the American Revolution * American Southerners, as a form of self-identification; ...

'' –

* ''

Reiterate ''Reiterate'' is the eighth full-length album from the Christian hip hop group GRITS. It was released on September 16, 2008, and is the GRITS first release on their newly formed Revolution Art label. Critical reception Awarding the album four ...

'' –

Inspirational

;Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year * "A New Hallelujah" –

* "For The Glory Of You" – Mark Harris * "Bless The Lord" – Laura Story * "Come Thou Fount" – Jadon Lavik * "Dependence" –

Jamie Slocum Jamie Slocum was an American Christian worship leader, singer, songwriter and producer from Grants Pass, Oregon. He was raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Nashville in the 1990s. Slocum succumbed to injuries after being run over by a bus in S ...

;Inspirational Album of the Year * '' After The Rain'' – Aaron & Amanda Crabb * '' Great God Who Saves'' – Laura Story * ''Infinite Grace'' – Women of Faith Worship Team * ''Roots Run Deep'' – Jadon Lavik * ''Songs For The Journey'' –

Gospel

;Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year * "Big Mighty God" –

The Mike LeFevre Quartet ''The'' () is a grammatical Article (grammar), article in English language, English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite ...

* "I Believe God" – Brian Free & Assurance * "Reason Enough" – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound * "Welcome To The Family" – Booth Brothers * "Yahweh" –

The Hoppers The Hoppers (until 1981: Hopper Brothers and Connie) are a multi award-winning Southern Gospel group from North Carolina. They have performed together for several decades and have achieved significant popularity due to widening the playing field ...

;Southern Gospel Album of the Year *''Ephesians One'' – Karen Peck & New River *''I Just Wanted You To Know'' – Kim Hopper *'' Lovin' Life'' –

Gaither Vocal Band The Gaither Vocal Band is an American southern gospel vocal group, named after its founder and leader Bill Gaither. On March 1, 2017, it was announced that the Gaither Vocal Band lineup consisted of Reggie Smith, Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Todd ...

*''On The Way Up'' – HisSong *''Room For More'' – Booth Brothers ;Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year * "Cry Your Last Tear" – Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir * "Deliverance" – Lillie Knauls * "Free At Last" –

* "God Is Good" –

Regina Belle Regina Elaine Belle (born July 17, 1963) is an American singer-songwriter who started her career in the mid-1980s. Known for her singles " Baby Come to Me" (1989) and "Make It Like It Was" (1990), Belle's most notable for two hit duets, both with ...

* "Souled Out" –

Hezekiah Walker & LFC Bishop Hezekiah Walker (born December 24, 1962) is a popular American gospel music singer and artist and pastor of prominent Brooklyn New York Pentecostal megachurch, Love Fellowship Tabernacle. Walker has released several albums on Benson Recor ...

* "Take It Back" –

Dorinda Clark-Cole Dorinda Grace Clark-Cole (born Dorinda Grace Clark; October 19, 1957) is an American Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, musician, talk show host, and evangelist. Clark–Cole is best known as a member of family vocal group The Clark ...

;Traditional Gospel Album of the Year * ''A New Day'' – Paul Porter * ''After 40 Years... Still Sweeping Through the City'' –

Shirley Caesar Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams (born October 13, 1938), known professionally as Shirley Caesar, is an American gospel singer whose career has spanned seven decades. She has won 11 Grammys in addition to Dove Awards and Stellar Awards; Caesar is kno ...

* ''Cry Your Last Tear'' – Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir * ''Do It!'' –

Dottie Peoples Dorothy "Dottie" Peoples (born August 12, 1950) is an American gospel singer from Dayton, Ohio. After completing high school, she toured with gospel pioneer Dorothy Norwood, a member of the Caravans. After a stint in jazz, she relocated to Atlan ...

* '' Down In New Orleans'' –

;Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year * "Favor Of God" –

* "Great Grace" –

Alvin Slaughter Alvin Martin Slaughter (born July 17, 1955) is an American gospel musician, worship leader, and singer-songwriter. Slaughter is based out of New York City, where he was a member of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir until the early 1990s, when he wa ...

* "How Great Is Our God" –

LaRue Howard LaRue Howard (born March 13, 1970) is an American gospel musician. Her first album, ''I'm Free'', was released by Tribe Records in 2004. The subsequent album, ''How Great Is Our God'', was released in 2008 by Capitol Christian Music Group, EMI. ...

* "My Name Is Victory" – Jonathan Nelson * "

Shall We Gather at the River? "Shall We Gather at the River?" or simply "At the River" are the popular names for the traditional Christian hymn originally titled "Beautiful River" and subsequently titled "Hanson Place," written by American poet and gospel music composer ...

" –

Take 6 Take 6 is an American a cappella gospel music, gospel sextet formed in 1980 on the campus of Oakwood University, Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. The group integrates jazz with spiritual and inspirational lyrics. Take 6 has received seve ...

* " Waging War" –

CeCe Winans Priscilla Marie Winans Love, known professionally as CeCe Winans, (born October 8, 1964) is an American gospel singer. She rose to prominence as a member of the duo BeBe & CeCe Winans; before launching an acclaimed solo career. Winans has been ...

;Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year *''

Change the World "Change the World" is a song written by Tommy Sims, Gordon Kennedy, and Wayne Kirkpatrick and recorded by country music artist Wynonna Judd. A cover version was recorded by English singer Eric Clapton for the soundtrack of the 1996 film ''Ph ...

'' –

*''Stand Out'' – Tye Tribbett & G.A. *'' The Sound'' –

*'' The Standard'' –

*'' Thy Kingdom Come'' –

Country & Bluegrass

;Country Recorded Song of the Year *"Did I Make A Difference" –

The Oak Ridge Boys The Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet originating in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet. They became popular in Southern gospel during the 1950s. Their name was change ...

*"Good Side Of Goodbye" – Living Waters Trio *"

I Saw God Today "I Saw God Today" is a song written by Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell and Wade Kirby, and recorded by American country music artist George Strait. It was released in February 2008 as the lead single from his album ''Troubadour''. The song debute ...

" –

George Strait George Harvey Strait Sr. (born May 18, 1952) is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. Strait is considered one of the most influential and popular recording artists of all time. In the 1980s, he was credited for ...

*"I Wish" –

Point of Grace Point of Grace is an all-female contemporary Christian music vocal group. The current trio consists of Shelley Breen, Denise Jones, and Leigh Cappillino. The group started out as a quartet in 1991, with original members Breen and Jones, as wel ...

*"Jesus and John Wayne" –

;Country Album of the Year *''

Around the Bend ''Around the Bend'' is a 2004 road movie written and directed by Jordan Roberts and starring Christopher Walken, Josh Lucas, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly, and Jonah Bobo. The film is inspired by the relationship between Roberts and the absente ...

'' –

Randy Travis Randy Bruce Traywick (born May 4, 1959), known professionally as Randy Travis, is an American country music and gospel music singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. Active from 1978 until being incapacitated by a stroke in 2013, he has recor ...

*''Home For Now'' – Living Waters Trio *'' Hymned Again'' –

Bart Millard Bart Marshall Millard (born December 1, 1972) is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as the leader of the band MercyMe. He has also released two solo albums: '' Hymned, No. 1'', in 2005 and '' Hymned Again'' in 2008. He received a ...

*'' I Turn to You'' –

*''

Runaway Train A runaway train is a type of railroad incident in which unattended rolling stock is accidentally allowed to roll onto the main line, a moving train loses enough braking power to be unable to stop in safety, or a train operates at unsafe speeds d ...

'' –

Crabb Revival Crabb Revival is a Contemporary Christian music group. Career Crabb Revival was formed by brother and sister, Adam and Terah Crabb, after the disbandment of The Crabb Family in 2007. The other members, Zach Smith and Micah Schweinsberg, were part ...

;Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year *"Help Is On The Way" –

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Doyle Lawson (born April 20, 1944) is an American traditional bluegrass and Southern gospel musician. He is best known as a mandolin player, vocalist, producer, and leader of the 6-man group Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Lawson was inducted in ...

*"I See a Crimson Stream" –

Janet Paschal Janet Paschal (born October 18, 1956) is an inspirational gospel vocalist. She has released numerous albums in that genre and has received multiple fan awards and Grammy and Dove Award nominations. She is also a songwriter and published author. ...

*"The Old White Flag" –

Triumphant Quartet The Triumphant Quartet (formerly Integrity Quartet until 2005) is an American Southern Gospel group that group consists of David Sutton (tenor), Clayton Inman (lead), Scott Inman (baritone), and Eric Bennett (bass). Background The Triumphan ...

*"They’re Holding Up The Ladder" –

Jeff & Sheri Easter Jeff & Sheri Easter are a Southern gospel group led by the husband and wife duo of the same name. Jeff also has 2 older children from a previous marriage. Career Jeff Easter and Sheri Williamson met in August 1984 during the Albert E. Brumley Su ...

The Lewis Family The Lewis Family is a family of gospel and bluegrass musicians from Lincolnton, Georgia. They are known as the "First Family of Bluegrass Gospel". Background The family was founded by Pop and Mom Lewis (Roy Lewis Sr. and Pauline Lewis, née H ...

, and

The Easter Brothers ''The'' () is a grammatical Article (grammar), article in English language, English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite ...

*"What Will I Wear" – Kim Hopper ;Bluegrass Album of the Year *''Bluegrass Worship'' – Various artists *''Help Is On The Way'' –

*''Hymns From Chigger Hill'' – Chigger Hill Boys & Terri *''I Don’t Regret A Mile'' –

Larry Sparks Larry Sparks (born September 25, 1947) is an American Bluegrass singer and guitarist. He was the winner of the 2004 and 2005 International Bluegrass Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year Award. 2005, won IBMA for Album of the Year and Re ...

*''Pickin’, Praisin’, & Singin’: Hymns From The Mountain'' – Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad *'' We Are Family'' –

, and

*''What A Journey'' – Paul Williams & The Victory Trio

Praise & Worship

;Worship Song of the Year *"A New Hallelujah" –

**Michael W. Smith, Debbie Smith,

Paul Baloche Paul Joseph Baloche Work ID No. 884337863 ISWC No. T9126089325 ( ; born on June 4, 1962) is an American Christian music artist, worship leader, and singer-songwriter. A native of Maple Shade Township, New Jersey,Price, Deborah Evans. "Higher Grou ...

, songwriters *"Breathe On Me" –

**Natalie Grant, songwriter *"Jesus Messiah" –

**Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves,

, songwriters *" Mighty to Save" –

**Ben Fielding,

, songwriters *"You’re Not Alone" –

**Meredith Andrews, songwriter ;Praise & Worship Album of the Year *'' A New Hallelujah'' –

*'' Great God Who Saves'' – Laura Story *'' Hello Love'' –

*''

Opposite Way ''Opposite Way'' is the second studio album from the Christian band Leeland, released on February 26, 2008. The album reached #1 on the iTunes Store Christian Albums chart in its debut week. "Count Me In" and the title track "Opposite Way" have ...

'' – Leeland *'' The Invitation'' –

Urban

;Urban Recorded Song of the Year *"

Declaration (This Is It) "Declaration (This is It)" is a Urban contemporary gospel, gospel song by Kirk Franklin from his 2007 album ''The Fight of My Life (album), The Fight of My Life''. The song contains samples of and interpolations of "This Is It" by Michael McDonald ...

" –

Get Up Get or GET may refer to: * Get (animal), the offspring of an animal * Get (divorce document), in Jewish religious law * GET (HTTP), a type of HTTP request * "Get" (song), by the Groggers * Georgia Time, used in the Republic of Georgia * Get AS, a ...

" –

*"Love Him Like I Do" –

Deitrick Haddon Deitrick Vaughn Haddon (born May 17, 1973) is an American gospel singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, record producer, pastor, and actor. He is best known for progressive gospel, and contemporary styles of music. He is also one of the cast memb ...

with

Ruben Studdard Ruben Studdard (born September 12, 1978) is an American singer and actor. He rose to fame as winner of the second season of ''American Idol'' and received a Grammy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his recording of ...

and

*"No Looking Back" –

Damita Damita Chandler (born Damita Dawn Bass on September 4, 1971) is an American gospel singer. Biography Damita was born as Damita Dawn Bass on September 4, 1971, in Detroit, Michigan. Damita has an identical twin sister Marguerita Bass. Damita's ...

*"Not A Slave" – J.R. ;Urban Album of the Year *''

Bold Right Life ''Bold Right Life'' is the third studio album by the American singer Kierra Sheard. It was released by EMI Gospel on 27 October 2008. Critical reception AllMusic editor Pemberton Roach found that the album "reveals that the younger Clark is mor ...

'' –

Kierra Sheard Kierra Valencia "Kiki" Sheard-Kelly (born June 20, 1987) is an American gospel singer. She is the daughter of gospel singer Karen Clark-Sheard (member of gospel singing group the Clark Sisters) and granddaughter of gospel choral director Mattie ...

*'' The Fight of My Life'' –

*''Kingdom Business'' –

*''No Looking Back'' –

*''Revealed'' –

Others

;Instrumental Album of the Year *''A Treasury of Hymns'' – LaDonna *''Always There'' – Harold Rayford *''Born to Play'' – Barry D. * ''Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian'' (soundtrack)various artists –

Harry Gregson-Williams Harry Gregson-Williams (born 13 December 1961) is a British composer, conductor, orchestrator, and record producer. He has composed music for video games, television and films including the ''Metal Gear'' series, ''Spy Game'', ''Phone Booth'', ...

(composer) *''Love Beyond All Measure'' – Stephen Petrunak *''The Breath of Life'' – Angella Christie ;Children's Music Album of the Year *''Absolute Modern Worship for Kids 4'' – Various artists *''All God’s Animals'' – TJ McCloud *''David: Shepherd, Psalmist, Soldier, King!'' – Bible StorySongs *''Shout Praises Kids – I Am Free'' – Jeff Sandstrom, Kurt Goebel, Stephen Leiweke, and Jeremy Redmon *''Sleepytime Lullabies'' – Praise Baby *'' Tell The World'' – Hillsong Kids ;Spanish Language Album of the Year *''Abriras Las Puertas'' – Malin *''Alabanza y Adoracion: Del Corazon'' – Lucia Parker *''Mi Salvacion'' – Ingrid Rosario *''Refréscate!'' –

Aline Barros Aline Barros Kistenmacker dos Santos (born October 7, 1976), better known as Aline Barros is a singer, songwriter, presenter and manager in Brazil. Some of her albums have been certified multiple Diamond by the Associação Brasileira dos Produto ...

*'' Rescátame'' – Seventh Day Slumber *'' Sobrenatural'' – Marcos Witt *'' Tengo Sed de Tí'' –

Soraya Moraes Soraya Moraes (born January 29, 1973) is a Brazilian gospel singer. Moraes was born in São Paulo and sang in church as a child. Her professional career began in a band called Metanoya in 1992; their debut album, ''Guerra'', was released in 19 ...

;Special Event Album of the Year *'' Billy: The Early Years Official Motion Picture Soundtrack'' (

Arista Nashville Arista Nashville is an American record label that serves as a wholly owned division of Sony Music, operated under the Sony Music Nashville division. Founded in 1989, the label specializes in country music artists, including Alan Jackson, Brooks & ...

/ Essential Records) *''Country Bluegrass Homecoming Volume One'' (

Gaither Music Group William James Gaither (born March 28, 1936) is an American singer and songwriter of Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music. He has written numerous popular Christian songs with his wife Gloria; he is also known for performing as part o ...

) *''How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry'' ( Sony BMG Nashville) *'' Passion: God of This City'' ( Sixsteps Records) *''Your Name'' (

Integrity Music Integrity Music is part of the David C Cook nonprofit group. Founded as a direct-to-consumer music club in 1987 as ''Integrity Music'', Integrity was at the forefront of contemporary worship music's widespread popularity of praise and worship mu ...

) ;Christmas Album of the Year *''

Christmas Gaither Vocal Band Style ''Christmas Gaither Vocal Band Style'' is a Christmas album released by gospel group Gaither Vocal Band on September 30, 2008. Track listing Awards ''Christmas Gaither Vocal Band Style'' was nominated for a Dove Award for Christmas Album of th ...

'' –

*''Christmas Songs'' –

Fernando Ortega Juan Fernando Ortega Work ID No. 332498534 (born March 2, 1957) is a singer-songwriter in contemporary Christian music. He is noted both for his interpretations of many traditional hymns and songs, such as " Give Me Jesus", "Be Thou My Vision" ...

*'' Home for Christmas'' –

BarlowGirl BarlowGirl was an American Christian rock and CCM all-female band from Elgin, Illinois. The band was composed of sisters Alyssa (lead vocals, bass guitar, keyboards), Lauren (co-lead vocals, drums) and Rebecca (guitar, backing vocals) Barlow. ...

*''O Holy Night'' –

Sara Groves Sara Groves (born Sara Lee Colbaugh, September 10, 1972) is an American contemporary Christian singer, record producer, and author. Groves received her Bachelor of Science degree in history and English in 1994 from Evangel University, a private ...

*'' Peace on Earth'' –

;Choral Collection of the Year *''Cradle That Rocked The World'' –

Geron Davis Geron Davis (born December 1, 1960) is a musician best known as a composer. He was first signed by Meadowgreen Music and best known for penning the song "Holy Ground". Davis married partner Becky Davis and have collectively written several songs ...

, Christopher Phillips, Jukka Palonen *''Glorious Day'' – David Moffitt, Sue C. Smith,

Travis Cottrell Travis Cottrell is an American contemporary Christian music (CCM) artist, songwriter, author, and worship leader. Biography Cottrell was raised in Boone, North Carolina. In 1990, he moved to Nashville to study at Belmont University. After gr ...

*''He Still Leads – Christ Church Choir'' – Landy Gardner, Joy Gardner, Christopher Phillips *''I’ll Say Yes'' –

Carol Cymbala Carol Cymbala is the choir director for the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has won 6 Grammy Awards. She is the wife of pastor Jim Cymbala and daughter of pastor Clair Hutchins. Awards *Grammy Award for Best Gospel Cho ...

*''Make a Joyful Noise'' – Regi Stone ;Recorded Music Packaging of the Year *'' …Is My Friend'' –

Hawk Nelson Hawk Nelson is a Canadian rock band from Peterborough, Ontario. Formed in 2000, the band has released eight studio albums to date. History Early independent releases (2000–2003) In 2000, Dunn, Clark, and Paige founded a Peterborough-based gr ...

*'' Remedy Club Tour Edition'' –

*''

'' –

*''

Storm the Gates of Hell ''Storm the Gates of Hell'' is the fourth studio album by Christian metal band Demon Hunter, released on November 6, 2007. It is the band's last album to feature Don Clark and Ethan Luck. Touring and promotion Demon Hunter embarked on the Stro ...

'' (Deluxe Edition) –

Demon Hunter Demon Hunter is an American Christian metal band from Seattle, Washington, started in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. Although the brothers created the band together, only Ryan remains, since Don left the band to take care of his ...

*''

The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole ''The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole'' is the debut album by Trenches. The album was originally titled "950 Times Per Second", possibly as a reference to the rate at which a black hole allegedly spins. Track listing #Calling - 3:42 (featuring Ryan ...

'' – Trenches

Musicals

;Musical of the Year *''Child of Wonder'' *''East to West'' *''God Bless the USA'' *''Savior'' *''The Risen Christ'' ;Youth/Children's Musical *''An Island Christmas'' *''Angels We Have Heard'' *''It’s a Wonder-Full Life'' *''Lifesong'' *''The Christmas County Spelling Bee''

Videos

;Short Form Music Video of the Year *"Daylight" –

**Andy & Jon Erwin (video directors) *"Fan Mail" –

**Sam Sanchez (video director and producer) *"In the Valley of the Dying Sun" –

House of Heroes House of Heroes is an American alternative rock band from Columbus, Ohio. They have released six albums: ''What You Want Is Now'' (2003), ''House of Heroes'' (2005), ''The End Is Not the End'' (2008), ''Suburba'' (2010), ''Cold Hard Want'' (20 ...

**Danny Yourd (video director), Steve Hoover (video producer) *"Movin’" –

**Andy & Jon Erwin (video directors), Dan Atchison (video producer) *" Slow Fade" –

**Andy & Jon Erwin (video directors) ;Long Form Music Video of the Year *''

Alive and Transported ''Alive and Transported'' is a live album by Christian hip hop artist tobyMac. It was released on May 27, 2008 and debuted at No. 112 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and also placed at No. 4 on ''Billboards Top Christian Albums chart. It ...

'' –

**Eric Welch (video director), Tameron Hedge and Dan Pitts (video producers) *''

'' –

**Carl Diebold (video director), Diebold, Paul Kerby, and Zachary Kelm (video producers) *''Country Bluegrass Homecoming Volume One'' – Bill & Gloria Gaither **Doug Stuckey (video director), Bill Gaither (video producer) *''O Holy Night'' – David Phelps **David Phelps and Jimmy Abegg (video directors), Phelps, Abegg, Jim Chaffee, and Ben Pearson (video producers) *''

The Altar and the Door Live ''The Altar and the Door Live'' is a live CD/DVD by the contemporary Christian music band Casting Crowns, released in 2008. Track listing # "All Because of Jesus" (originally by Fee) ( Steve Fee) – 4:10 # "Praise You with the Dance" (Casting ...

'' –

**Andy & Jon Erwin (video directors)

Artists with multiple nominations and awards

The following artists received multiple nominations: * Seven:

* Five:

* Four:

* Two:

The following artists received multiple awards: * Three:

* Two:

References

*, official winners list by year

External links

Dove Awards winners
at DoveAwards.com
Nominations Announced for 40th GMA Dove Awards
at CBN Music
GMA Dove Awards Nominations for 2009 Announced
at GospelMusicUpdate {{Dove Award years

GMA Music Awards A Dove Award is an accolade by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry. The awards are presented annually. Formerly held in Nashville, Tennessee, the Dove Awards ...

GMA Dove Awards 2009 in American music 2009 in Tennessee GMA