For years, the GMA Dove Awards have come and gone, with little coverage from NewReleaseTuesday.com. For that, I apologize. NRT is, after all, a Christian music site and whether you live and die for the GMA Dove Awards, or wish they would simply just die, the show is certainly one of the biggest annual events for Christian music and fans alike.

This year, to help kick start our coverage of the 2009 GMA Dove Awards, as well as the 2009 Gospel Music Week in Nashville, TN April 19-23, I threw out a challenge to our growing editorial team. I asked Bill Lurwick, host of our weekly New Christian Music updates, and site contributors Kevin Davis, Logan Leisure and Andrew Funderburks, to dive into the nominations, announced last month, and comment on the results from eighteen major categories. From who should win to who will win, the answers provide a vast range of opinions that is sure to spark some discussion among the rest of us.

NewReleaseTuesday.com will be reporting from GMA Music Week and the 2009 GMA Dove Awards, providing live updates via Twitter during the event and full write ups of the evening. For a complete list of the 2009 GMA Dove Award Nominations, click here. And make sure to comment at the end of this article about this year’s nominations and NRT Staff picks.

(Note that where “Who Should Win” and “Who Will Win” picks are the same, all contributor comments are found under “Who Will Win.”)

SONG OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Bill Lurwick: Brandon Heath - “Give Me Your Eyes”
It’s enjoyed over 20 weeks at #1, with a message that transcends Christian radio formats. In essence, the song is a message that could be a mission statement for all of us who call ourselves Christians.

Kevin Davis: Chris Sligh – “Empty Me”
I like “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” and “Mighty To Save” but they were written and released in 2005 and 2006. Chris Sligh’s song snuck up on me as I didn’t pay too much attention to Chris when he was on American Idol. As I listened to all of the nominated songs together, this song stood out to me and represents my Christian walk. The song is biblical, personal and Chris is an excellent vocalist. On a personal note, I would have liked to see “Opposite Way” by Leeland at least get nominated.

Logan Leasure: Chris Sligh – “Empty Me”
Unlike previous years, GMA’s Song of the Year nominees offers a diverse and competitive selection this year. “Mighty to Save” is by far one of the best worship songs to date, while “Cinderella,” an incredibly powerful song, may have a slight edge in the light of recent tragedy in the Chapman family. Among the other great songs nominated, however, Chris Sligh’s breakout worship hit “Empty Me” is greatly deserving of this award in my book.

Andrew Funderburks: Chris Sligh – “Empty Me”
This song just moves me into the fact that it’s not about me, and I don’t want to be filled w/everything that’s empty. I want God to empty me so I can be filled so totally with Him. This song is part of my heart’s cry.

Who Will Win

Bill Lurwick: Steven Curtis Chapman - “Cinderella”
This will win because of the connection it makes with all of us. Ironically, in a format that is geared essentially towards females and mothers, here is a song aimed straight at the hearts of daddies. Brilliant. And Maria Sue is dancing with Jesus now too!

Kevin Davis: Steven Curtis Chapman - “Cinderella”
Not overly biblical; however considering the tragedy and the emotional connection with the song, it will probably win. I have 3 young daughters and this song wrecks me every time I hear it.

Logan Leasure: Steven Curtis Chapman - “Cinderella”
The song is incredibly relevant and has touched the lives of nearly everyone who’s ever heard it. Besides being one of the most played songs at Christian radio in 2008, it was given promotion on CNN’s Larry King Live, and Chapman recently performed it on FOX News’ Huckabee. I’d be surprised if “Cinderella” doesn’t take the prize.

Andrew Funderburks: Brandon Heath - “Give Me Your Eyes”
“Amazing Grace,” “Cinderella” and “You Reign” were by popular artists but didn’t do much for me musically. “Never Going Back To OK” and “I Will Not Be Moved” are too rocky while “Reason Enough” is southern-gospel (an immediate downfall for this category). “I’m Letting Go” and “Empty Me” are a bit too new to win, and although “Mighty to Save” has gained a lot of attention, I don’t think it will win either. “Give Me Your Eyes” will more than likely win considering its dominance at radio.

FINAL VERDICT: While Chris Sligh appears to be a favorite, his relatively slow sales, smaller label and “new-kid-on-the-block” status will likely hinder his ability to overcome the raw emotion of Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Cinderella.”

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MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Logan Leisure: Jon Foreman
A lot of the same names keep popping up in this category every year, but this year the newcomer, and the one who deserves the win, is Jon Foreman. Not only did he introduce his music in an incredible unique way with the set of 4 EP’s, but it was raw, stripped down, emotional and real. What more can you ask for?

Andrew Funderburks: Jeremy Camp
His story of hurt and loss still carries through his music. Plus his latest project has put so much energy and passion forth.

Who Will Win

Bill Lurwick: Jeremy Camp Or Brandon Heath
I think this is one of the categories where we could see a changing of the guard. Chris Tomlin’s Hello Love was a really good project, but, not great in my opinion. Plus, Chris has slowed down his touring and his appearances since he is helping Louie Giglio start a new church in the Atlanta area. You combine that with the glut of other great male vocalists in this category and you can easily see how things could change with a new winner this year.

Kevin Davis: Chris Tomlin
While this is a pretty good list, I’m partial to Leeland Dayton Mooring, Matthew West, Bebo Norman, Bart Millard of MercyMe, Marc Martel of Downhere and Matt Hammitt of Sanctus Real, although none of them were nominated. I’m not Chris Tomlin’s biggest fan because of how many cover songs he’s recorded recently, however he has several nominations and a great singing voice. On the strength of the live recording of “God Of This City” alongside “Jesus Messiah” and “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”, he’s a worthy choice. At least he fits the timeframe. I really like Jeremy Camp, but he didn’t have any significant impact until after the voting period. Jon Foreman of Switchfoot would be an interesting choice and since tobyMac won last year, who knows?

Logan Leisure: Chris Tomlin
Déjà vu? You bet! He’s won it the past three years, and at this rate, the Gospel Music Association probably will be handing him a win for the fourth year in a row. If he was doing something new and exciting with his music, I would understand, but that’s not the case, so I’m still confused.

Andrew Funderburks: Brandon Heath
I think there’s new wind blowing through this category. With Jeremy Camp’s breaking new album, he has a great lead, but overall, Brandon Heath has taken up too much radio space and with his big #1 hit, he’ll more than likely win.

FINAL VERDICT: Chris Tomlin continues to be an expected win in this category, but four in a row? While Brandon Heath has had a successful song, Jeremy Camp’s previous wins and incredible new single will make this his day.

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FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Bill Lurwick: Brooke Fraser
The solo project Albertine that the award winning full time member of Hillsong United offered in 2008 was truly a portrait of beauty in song. This project made its way on to so many Top Ten lists at the end of the year it was truly remarkable. Alas, the Kiwi will have to let the reigning Female Vocalist continue her string of titles once again.

Kevin Davis: Brooke Fraser
I’m happiest to see Brooke Fraser nominated. I’m disappointed that Brooke Barrettsmith, Kelly Mack, Jenny Simmons of Addison Road and Meredith Andrews weren’t nominated. Brooke Fraser of Hillsong United, writer and singer of “Lead Me To The Cross” and “Hosanna” has an incredible singing voice and had an incredible year, putting out my favorite female fronted album of 2008.

Logan Leisure: Mandisa
Her story is incredible, and her record, True Beauty, is fantastic. Her music demonstrates her passion for Christ, and she’s re-introduced contemporary R&B-style worship back into Christian music. There’s no doubt she deserved this nomination, and there’s no doubt that she deserves to win.

Andrew Funderburks: Mandisa
Yikes! This puts me in a hard spot. Overall though I think that Mandisa or Brooke Fraser are deserving. They both have such beautiful music and have such pure voices. If I’m choosing one, I’d go with Mandisa because of her enduring story of true beauty, and what it’s like to live a life of true beauty in every aspect.

Who Will Win

Bill Lurwick: Natalie Grant
Relentless continues to be Natalie’s most successful project to date, and with a full touring schedule that supported the album this year, she “Will Not Be Moved” from the top spot in this category once again. This award truly couldn’t be “In Better Hands” than Natalie Grant’s (should I stop?).

Kevin Davis: Francesca Battistelli
I just have a feeling that this is Francesca’s year, and she does have a great singing voice. I won’t even rule out that she could win song of the year with “I’m Letting Go.” Is this the end to Natalie Grant’s winning streak?

Logan Leisure: Natalie Grant
Just like Chris Tomlin, this award has gone to Natalie Grant the past three years. Can we expect a different story this year? Don’t get your hopes up. Yes, Natalie Grant continues to put out solid records, but nothing career-defining or earth shattering. Will she win though? Well, if the past three years say anything, then yes, she will…again!

Andrew Funderburks: Natalie Grant
Who do you think? Natalie Grant produces music that everyone seems to enjoy.

FINAL VERDICT: Voters know Hillsong, but do they know Brooke Fraser? After this year, they most certainly will, but that education may come too late. Once again, this is Natalie Grant’s category to loose. It may be the same old story, but it’s well deserved. Her voice is unmatched by the other nominees in this category.

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GROUP OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Kevin Davis: Third Day
Glad to see Third Day, MercyMe and David Crowder*Band listed. Personally I would have also nominated Downhere, Sanctus Real and Leeland. For me, there wasn’t a group with higher expectations and attention in 2008 than Third Day. Coming off the loss of guitarist Brad Avery and after two Chronology collections in 2007, they certainly delivered. An appearance on The Tonight Show was also pretty impressive.

Logan Leisure: Third Day
The last time this group won this award was in 2003. This year, they are more deserving than ever. Revelation is a stellar album, proving that this band will keep bringing it to the table time and time again.

Andrew Funderburks: Casting Crowns
Let’s give Casting Crowns a hand! I chose them because their music is so relevant to many areas of life that many other artists don’t even come close to touching.

Who Will Win

Bill Lurwick: Third Day
They are back! After longtime member Brad Avery’s departure in the spring, fans were wondering if this was the beginning of the end? Not so fast my friend. All Third Day preceded to do was put out what some have said is the best Third Day project ever with Revelation. With a full tour in support that features new group Revive in tow, whom Mac Powell produced and convinced to relocate from Australia, Third Day re-established themselves as the premier rock & roll band in Christian music today.

Kevin Davis: MercyMe
Similar to the artist category, I’m concerned that there is too much hype about Third Day, and with no song nominations, I have a feeling that radio favorites MercyMe will win on the strength of “God With Us” and “You Reign.” I’d be fine with this choice.

Logan Leisure: Third Day
Remind me why half of these groups are nominated again? If you can’t figure it out, you’re not alone. The only two that have done anything really significant in the past year are Mary Mary and Third Day--and Third Day seems most likely to take the prize. The industry loves them, and can you really blame them for doing so?

Andrew Funderburks: Casting Crowns
Skillet and Third Day have a very big chance to take this category this year. Though MercyMe has had a few #1’s off their latest project, they haven’t been a prominent as in year’s past. So more than likely, it’s going to be Casting Crowns, considering they’ve won during past years where they’ve been nominated and their songs continue to be strong at radio.

FINAL VERDICT: Third Day released their career album and achieved new mainstream success and exposure. This will be the year of their return to the top of this category.

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ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Kevin Davis: Third Day
I wasn’t surprised to see Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, TobyMac and Chris Tomlin on this list. I had hoped to see Matthew West, MercyMe, Sanctus Real and Leeland on this list, who would represent the changing of the guard in CCM. That said, Revelation is my favorite album by Third Day since Time. A career album and a great year for one of the pioneers of CCM. DecembeRadio, Big Daddy Weave and NEEDTOBREATHE are all great contemporaries of the Southern Rock style.

Logan Leasure: Third Day
I was shocked, and ecstatic, to see Fireflight nominated in this category. Their latest record stands out amongst the majority of other recent Christian releases. Unfortunately, most of the nominees in this category we see every year. My pick though is Third Day, who blew everyone away with what I consider the best release of their career.

Andrew Funderburks: Steven Curtis Chapman
He’s gone through so much this year, and he’s been able to carry and portray the message of hope so well despite his hurt.

Who Will Win

Bill Lurwick: Steven Curtis Chapman
What’s really amazing about this category is that Michael W. Smith is not even nominated after the year he’s had! It’s been that strong of a year for these core artists.

tobyMac won a GRAMMY for Alive & Transported. Casting Crowns put out a great Christmas project, Third Day reestablished themselves and Chris Tomlin continued to find success on radio and in concert halls.

But the biggest surprise of the year may have been the reemergence of Steven Curtis Chapman, who joined Michael W Smith for the United Tour, which is still going strong, and publicly mourned the loss of his youngest daughter Maria Sue in a tragic accident at the Chapman home in Franklin this past May. With the huge success of the songs “Cinderella” and “Yours,” and the support of tens of thousands of fans, this is Steven Curtis Chapman’s year to add more Doves to his record total.

Kevin Davis: Casting Crowns
I’d love to be 100% sure that the answer is Third Day, but since they received no song nominations and just one pop album nomination, my guess is they’ll give this to Casting Crowns. They have had an incredible year with the carry-over effect of The Altar and The Door studio and live album sales, concert revenue and their Christmas album.

Logan Leisure: Chris Tomlin
The Gospel Music Association is sadly somewhat obsessed with him. I have nothing personal against Mr. Tomlin, but his past two records have been nothing more than mediocre. He always manages to snag the win though.

Andrew Funderburks: Casting Crowns
They are an incredibly popular and accessible group. They will be hard to beat.

FINAL VERDICT: This is a toss up between Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns, but watch for voters to connect with Chapman more than any other year on a number of levels, especially given the release of his strongest album in years.

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NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Kevin Davis: Tenth Avenue North
This is my favorite category and always full with tough competition. While this year’s list is great, I wish that After Edmund, Joy Whitlock and Brooke Fraser were also nominated. Tenth Avenue North is my preference, and the impact of their back to back number one songs, “Love Is Here” and “By Your Side,” along the 100,000 downloads and 60,000 album sales is hard to top and very impressive.

Logan Leisure: Chris Sligh
The American Idol alum put out an incredibly powerful album this past year, creating his own worship sound. His power to draw people into his music makes him the clear standout among the other nominees.

Andrew Funderburks: Addison Road
This group has just amazed me with their passionate music, lyrics and vocals.

Who Will Win

Bill Lurwick: Francesca Battistelli
This year, the GMA will award another new artist that hails from that proverbial top producing Christian music locale of… Brooklyn, New York? Huh? It was quite a year for the girl with the name that no one can pronounce, but Francesca Battistelli will cap off her year by winning this award! Bravo!

Kevin Davis: Francesca Battistelli
The Dove Awards tend to miss it in this category, for example picking ZoeGirl over Sara Groves, Shaun Groves and Downhere in 2002. I’m fine with Francesca winning, she put out a great album and received song and vocalist nominations (which Tenth Avenue North did not), which is why she’ll probably win.

Logan Leisure: Francesca Battistelli
She’s nearly as deserving, in my opinion, as Chris Sligh, and her music was definitely more widely heard than his. Her Sara Bareilles-like sound makes her the first in the Christian industry to really embrace that style. In comparison with Sligh on the messages behind the music, Chris has the edge, and that’s what truly counts.

Andrew Funderburks: Tenth Avenue North
The group that will win will be Tenth Avenue North. They took out the radio circuits with their singles, and took much of the music world by storm.

FINAL VERDICT: Polish your acceptance speech Francesca and make sure the announcer has your name spelled out phonetically. We’ll all be listening for the gaffe.

The Round Table Continues! Don't miss Part 2 and Part 3 of our GMA Dove Award discussion.