The Oscars have come and gone, and so what awards show can you obsess about now? The Dove Awards, of course!
That's right, the Gospel Music Association's annual honoring of Christian music's best is just around the corner--Thursday, April 19 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. NRT will have more coverage leading up to the awards including commentary, wrap ups and professional photos as we get ready to report backstage from Christian music's biggest night!
This week, we begin the first in a series of roundtable opinions regarding the various
award categories. NRT Founder
Kevin McNeese, Senior Editor
Marcus Hathcock, Lead Contributor
Kevin Davis and Staff Contributors
Sarah Fine and
Mary Burklin all weigh in on who should win and who will win in each category.
We start things off with a bang as the team tackles picks and predictions for six of the biggest categories in the Doves:
Song of the Year,
Male Vocalist of the Year,
Female Vocalist of the Year,
Group of the Year,
New Artist of the Year, and
Artist of the Year.
Feel free to weigh in with your own predictions by posting comments below and
click here for more coverage of this year's awards.
SONG OF THE YEAR
Who Should Win
Kevin McNeese: "Your Great Name" by Natalie Grant
Out of the ten songs nominated this year, there's no other song on the list that matches the dynamic, emotional punch--not to mention awe-inspiring vocal delivery--as found on Natalie Grant's incredible worship song, "Your Great Name." And the fact that her biggest competition is herself with the equally beautiful and compelling, "Alive (Mary Magdalene)," should not be ignored.
Marcus Hathcock: "Your Great Name" by Natalie Grant
It's true--I tend to swing towards the worship genre, and so it's no surprise I think that out of all the songs here, Natalie Grant's "Your Great Name" deserves the nod. It's so worshipful, so emotional and powerful. Natalie Grant continues to pound out fantastic, God-honoring songs of depth, and this one deserves its nomination.
Sarah Fine: "Hold Me" by Jamie Grace
I’m impressed by the list of songs in this category this year. Each has gone on to make a significant impact over at Christian radio in the last 12 months, but if there is any one song that captures my attention above the rest, it’s the infectiously catchy “Hold Me” by up-and-comer Jamie Grace, who dominated charts left and right with her first smash single all throughout 2011. This would be an enormous win for the female vocalist and I hope the GMA notices the impact this song has made, just as so many of us have.
Kevin Davis: "Blessings" by Laura Story
Based on my own preferences, I would have liked to see “You Love Me Anyway” by Sidewalk Prophets, “Suitcases” by Dara Maclean, “This Is The Stuff” by Francesca Battistelli, “Strong Enough” by Matthew West and “Your Love” by Brandon Heath nominated as well. I also really love the song “Your Great Name” by Natalie Grant (written by Krissy Nordhoff and Michael Neale) and I’m glad that song was also nominated for Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year.
Mary Burklin: "Blessings" by Laura Story
Laura Story’s beautiful, heartfelt song “Blessings” has seen a lot of radio play this past year, and with good reason. The song expresses truth from a vulnerable place in a way that’s encouraging but not contrived. This category is unfortunately less diverse and a little weaker than I had hoped for, though it’s good to see songs like “Hold Me” and “I Smile” adding a bit of a different flavor.
Who Will Win
Kevin McNeese: "Blessings" by Laura Story
There's a small part of me that wants to call a surprise win for Kirk Franklin here. His video for "I Smile" has dominated the iTunes charts since it was released last year and he's coming off a recent Grammy win. The album has been his long-awaited return and given that the Doves is now in Gospel's backdoor in Atlanta, Kirk could easily pull a win. I believe Natalie's two nominations will hurt her chances and split her vote, and Jamie Grace has a shot, but rarely has a new artist taken home this award. So Laura Story will pick it up for her fantastic contemporary song that has blessed countless.
Marcus Hathcock: "Hold Me" by Jamie Grace
Can you get that song out of your head once you hear it? My kids sure can't. It's such a happy-go-lucky tune that's had tremendous radio success. This single has propelled YouTube star Jamie-Grace Harper into Christian music's elite in a very short amount of time, and it's enough of a catchy tune to garner Jamie Grace her first Dove Award.
Sarah Fine: "Blessings" by Laura Story
Most Christian music fans were stunned when Jason Crabb won this award last year for a song most of us had never heard before, especially when it was up against songs like “Lead Me” (Sanctus Real) and “Our God” (Chris Tomlin.) Will another dark horse such as Laura Story’s “Blessings” sweep this category again this year? Time will only tell.
Kevin Davis: "Blessings" by Laura Story
This song has some of the best lyrics I've ever heard in any song. I'm moved by Laura's transparency and confessional challenges to believers in this incredible song. I am wrecked by the lyrics, "What if my greatest disappointments, or the aching of this life, Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy?" As believers we need to remember that this world is not our home. We have a much bigger agenda, and the security of everlasting life as promised by our Savior Jesus. As this song so beautifully depicts, we weren't made for this world.
Mary Burklin: "Hold Me" by Jamie Grace
Although I think there’s a good chance Laura Story’s “Blessings” might pull through in this category, in the end I think “Hold Me” carries a bit more weight. Backed by plenty of radio exposure, this is the song that really cleared the way for Jamie Grace to burn bright this year. It’s hard not to recognize that.
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Who Should Win
Kevin McNeese: Kirk Franklin
This was a tough one for me. Chris August nailed this award last year in my book (and in many others after he was announced a winner) but continued to enjoy the success of his debut without releasing much new. Jason Crabb and Steven Curtis Chapman mined their catalog and Chris Tomlin did more collabortive work than solo work. So that leaves me with Kirk Franklin, who blew away anticipation with one of his best-selling albums to date. Is he a "vocalist" though? I'm torn.
Marcus Hathcock: Chris Tomlin
There I go again with the worship angle. But really, the perennial Dove Awards favorite continues to churn out the songs that the Church sings, including "I Lift My Hands" and "Our God" from the Dove-nominated album,
And If Our God is For Us... He has the most commercial appeal and widespread church familiarity. Chris August is a great choice, however a longshot without any new content.
Sarah Fine: Kirk Franklin
This has fast become one of my favorite awards of the night. Unlike most of the other awards, Male Vocalist of the Year always seems to come as a complete surprise. Hardly ever does a male vocalist take the award home twice in a row, making it a completely fresh category every few years. Kirk Franklin’s latest project, “Hello Fear” was an album three years in the making, and was named iTunes Christian Album of the Year at the end of 2011. It’s been awhile since Kirk was nominated in this category, and seeing the success of the album, I fully believe this should be his year to take it home.
Kevin Davis: Steven Curtis Chapman
“Do Everything” should have been a Song of the Year candidate and is a great new song. “Long Way Home” is a sobering reminder that we’re not made for this world and includes my favorite vocal performance of Steven’s career which generated a well-deserved Male Vocalist nomination. His album re:Creation truly allows listeners to treasure Christian music’s most honored male artist. I would have liked to see Marc Martel from Downhere get nominated for both his excellent new album with Downhere and his “Somebody To Love” YouTube sensation audition for the Queen Extravaganza cover band. I’m also partial to Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North, Matthew West, Brandon Heath, Bebo Norman, Bart Millard of MercyMe, and Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE, although none of them were nominated.
Mary Burklin: Steven Curtis Chapman
I felt undecided on this category for a long time, but ultimately I had to go with Steven Curtis Chapman based on over all achievement in the past year. Between his own album
(Re)creation and his role with
The Story, Chapman is well-deserving of this honor. It’s been quite a few years since he earned this award, and I would love to see him get the recognition again.
Kevin McNeese: Chris Tomlin
There's no other name on this list that comes close to the ongoing accomplishments of Christian music's leading male worshipper. The establishment will take over the wheel on this one and vote it safe.
Marcus Hathcock: Chris Tomlin
The momentum clearly rests with Tomlin, thanks to yet another great year of hit singles and well-used worship songs, and with the forthcoming release of Passion's
White Flag, another album sure to be filled with songs for the Church.
Sarah Fine: Chris Tomlin
Chris August would be my second choice, but seeing as he hasn’t released any new material in the last 12 months since his win in this category last year, I can’t see how that would work. As much as I’d love to see Kirk Franklin take this award home this year, I think Chris Tomlin, who also released a project and has substantial seniority with the GMA, is the obvious shoe-in.
Kevin Davis: Chris Tomlin
Tomlin has several nominations and a great singing voice. On the strength of “Our God” and “I Lift My Hands” he’s a worthy choice.
Mary Burklin: Chris Tomlin
Although Chris August also has a good shot at taking this award home again, as far as visibility and achievement overall, Tomlin ranks a bit higher.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Who Should Win
Kevin McNeese: Mandisa
It's time to give this woman her due. Her latest album,
What If We Were Real, is packed with emotional performances that show off her pop-friendly, incredible range that commands your attention and is filled with attitude, love, grace, forgiveness, sorrow and praise. This isn't just a voice. It's an experience that should be recognized.
Marcus Hathcock: Kari Jobe
Kari Jobe's vocals aren't as dramatic as her fellow nominees, but it's the purity and honesty of her voice that sets her apart and carries her obviously anointed songs. Anyone who's seen Kari Jobe live can understand that there's something special about this Texas worship leader. Hopefully she's judged not on her pop prowess--as is demonstrated on many songs from her latest release, Where I Find You--but on her worship leading. Stacked against the pop powerhouses in this category, though, a win by Jobe would be considered an upset for sure.
Sarah Fine: Francesca Battistelli
It has been yet another whirlwind year for the current reigning female vocalist of the year. Aside from releasing her highly successful sophomore release, “Hundred More Years” early last year, the songstress also wrapped up three mega tours and began writing for her third record (not to mention she and her husband, Matt, are expecting their second child.) Francesca Battistelli’s rise to fame since her debut back in 2008 has been nothing short of phenomenal. After a successful 2011, if anyone deserves to take this award home in 2012, it’s Francesca.
Kevin Davis: Mandisa
Great list. Yet another strong list of nominees and even harder to select from. I’m happiest to see Mandisa, Natalie Grant and Francesca Battistelli nominated. Personally, I also nominated Tricia Brock, Audrey Assad and Dara Maclean along with Natalie and Francesca. Mandisa should win for her strong vocals on her hit song “Stronger” and especially for her ballad “The Truth About Me.”
Mary Burklin: Kari Jobe
Beyond the fact that she’s local for me, Kari Jobe has greatly impressed me this past year with both her incredibly clear vocals and her heart. Seeing her perform live is the clincher-- this girl can sing.
Kevin McNeese: Francesca Battistelli
As much as I want to see Mandisa take this home, Francesca continues to deliever with last year's Hundred More Years, an amazing sophomore effort that continues to feel fresh and engaging almost a year post street. Coupled with her history of winning in this category, Francesca will continue to be at the front of voter's minds.
Marcus Hathcock: Francesca Battistelli
Two words: Reigning champ. Franny has the most commercial appeal of those listed, has the best sales and the most high-profile release in the last year. Until she stops cranking out hits, it'll be difficult to unseat her in this category.
Sarah Fine: Francesca Battistelli
All of the nominees in this category this year all have a fighting chance, but I think if anyone has the ability to take it home for the third year in a row, Francesca Battistelli is the clear winner.
Kevin Davis: Francesca Battistelli
Voters remember she’s the two time reigning female vocalist and she does have a great singing voice and a string of hit songs. She has also been the best selling new artist in a decade. I’m personally voting for her and I love her vocals on “Hundred More Years”, “Motion of Mercy” and “Angel By Your Side.”
Mary Burklin: Natalie Grant
Natalie’s role on the Story Tour alone would qualify her for this award. She’s truly become one of the iconic female vocalists in the CCM genre, and with good reason.
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Who Should Win
Kevin McNeese: David Crowder*Band
First of all, Switchfoot and Newsboys should be nominated here. I'm scratching my head. That said, I can't see DCB's name without feeling a bit of loss that probably won't be replaced by another worship/pop band for a long time. Their contribution to the industry should be awarded one last time.
Marcus Hathcock: David Crowder*Band
Man, this is a real toss-up between Crowder and NEEDTOBREATHE. I'm really disappointed Gungor isn't in this list, because they were my top album of 2011. I think Gungor soon will find themselves in this category, though, taking David Crowder*Band's slot as the favorite artistic, quirky worship band in CCM. But until then, I'd love to see the Baylor boys in DC*B get the nod for their amazing final year together, which included some phenomenal performances of "Sometimes" and "Shadows" (feat. Lecrae) on the 2011 Passion album,
Here For You. And let's not forget their fun and unique Christmas album,
Oh For Joy.
Sarah Fine: David Crowder*Band
David Crowder*Band stunned the music world last Spring when they abruptly announced that their time as a band would be coming to and end in the latter half of 2011. While fans immediacy mourned the loss of one of CCM’s most legendary worship acts, it presented the band with the unique opportunity to go out with one last hurrah. While their final record, Give Us Rest, is ineligible for any awards this year, I fully believe that their final months together as a group deserve to be recognized with this prolific win.
Kevin Davis: NEEDTOBREATHE
I’m glad to see David Crowder*Band and NEEDTOBREATHE listed. Personally I also nominated MercyMe, Sidewalk Prophets and Newsboys. The Reckoning is my top album of all time and these guys are incredibly talented musicians. “Slumber” should also win Rock/Contemporary Song and The Reckoning should win Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year.
Mary Burklin: David Crowder*Band
After one of the most influential worship careers in CCM’s history, David Crowder*Band set it all aside after an incredibly busy and productive final year. In addition to their incredible tunes and sold out shows across the country, their humility and responsiveness to the Lord’s calling to surrender all their success are beyond admirable. It would be a fitting final homage to the legendary DC*B.
Kevin McNeese: David Crowder*Band
Casting Crowns delievered one of their weakest albums to date. I don't believe The Isaacs or Gather Vocal Band have the popular recognition needed to win in this category. So that leaves a complete toss-up between two deserving bands: NEEDTOBREATHE, who released an incredible album late last year, and David Crowder*Band, who gave fans a fantastic good-bye present. Nostalgia should pull DCB out front in this photo finish.
Marcus Hathcock: NEEDTOBREATHE
While Crowder and Co. have a great deal of momentum closing out their time together, NEEDTOBREATHE has the high-profile, critically acclaimed release within the last 12 months, so they'll ultimately get the edge here--a well-deserved edge, to be sure. NEEDTOBREATHE continually pushes the envelope on creativity, musicality and general excellence from Christian music.
Sarah Fine: Casting Crowns
The last time Casting Crowns took this award home was back in 2009. While the band has gone on to produce a plethora of hits between now and then, the last 12 months have been an outstanding time for the group with current hits such as “Glorious Day” and more recently, “Courageous.” While many will argue NEEDTOBREATHE is the clear winner, I think Casting Crowns will break the three year losing streak and take it home once again.
Kevin Davis: NEEDTOBREATHE
Voters remember they are the two time reigning Group of the Year and they released the best overall album by a group this year. They also conducted a remarkable stadium tour opening for Taylor Swift.
Mary Burklin: David Crowder*Band
It would almost be hard to get away with not giving them this award. Although it’s a bracket that Casting Crowns has traditionally dominated, and they’re nominated yet again, this will be the last chance for David Crowder*Band to take it home. That’s not something that can easily be looked over.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Who Should Win
Kevin McNeese: Dara Maclean
This category is sorely needing some infusion of some rock acts, but this is still a fantastic list of new artists. There's a lot of great new freshman coming onto the scene and I'm equally torn here between Dara Maclean and The City Harmonic. What makes me lean just an inch towards Dara is her compassionite and humble nature evident through multiple personal meetings and interactions online. She is truly excited to be where God has her and dedicated to building her ministry. Not that The City Harmonic isn't, Dara has just been more outspoken in her appreciation. Her humbleness, work ethic and amazing music will find her on a similar path as labelmate Francesca Battistelli in the coming years. And you can quote me on that.
Marcus Hathcock: Royal Tailor
I'm a lone voice in the wilderness here, but Royal Tailor must be one of the best-kept secrets in Christian music. Their album was one of my favorite of the year due to its tremendous engineering, instrumentation, vocals and pop prowess. This is one of the few true contenders out there in Christian music that actually rivals and exceeds that which is on Top 40 mainstream radio. Royal Tailor quietly released an album that is, in my opinion, Christian pop's
Thriller. I don't see them winning due to their sleeper status, but they more than deserve it. Perhaps a win would bring much-deserved attention to this fantastic band.
Sarah Fine: Jamie Grace
2011 was a huge year for 20-year-old Atlanta native, Jamie Grace, who undoubtedly had one of the biggest debut’s CCM has seen in a number of years. Between her No. 1 hit “Hold Me” (with none other than tobyMac) to her recent single, “You Lead” which is currently climbing the charts at radio, it’s clear that Jamie Grace is here to stay. I truly believe Jamie’s sudden impact on CCM deserves to be recognized among her peers in 2012.
Kevin Davis: Dara Maclean
Big year for new artists and toughest competition ever in this great category. Glad to see Jamie Grace, Dara Maclean, Royal Tailor and The City Harmonic nominated. I also really like the new female singers Heather Williams, Jessa Anderson and Lindsay McCaul. Dara Maclean released my top album by a new artist this year and I love her passionate songs.
Mary Burklin: The City Harmonic
This category has a lot of incredibly talented artists this year. 2011 held so many strong debut albums. In the end I have to go with The City Harmonic for their reverent and incredibly well-crafted tunes. They’ve been labeled as the Christian Coldplay, and with good reason-- these guys have created music that has an ability to endure. A very close runner-up for me is Royal Tailor.
Kevin McNeese: Dara Maclean
Few know who Beyond The Ashes are (sorry guys). Jamie-Grace has a monster hit, but her album just doesn't have enough deep cuts for me. Royal Tailor has great music, but the guys are forgettable. This race is between The City Harmonic and Dara Maclean. Dara comes out ahead here and it's well deserved!
Marcus Hathcock: Jamie Grace
Who has the most commercial success in this group? TobyMac protege Jamie Grace. Fueled by her catchy pop tune "Hold Me" and a great full-length release in
One Song At a Time, Jamie Grace has the momentum, the numbers, the great smile and the commercial appeal to bring home this award. There are very few Christian music artists my kids know by name, but Jamie Grace is one of them. If she wins, which I think she will, it'll certainly be well-deserved.
Sarah Fine: Jamie Grace
The GMA has favored Word Records artists in this category the last few years, so Dara Maclean could be another nominee to keep your eye on for the win, but if anyone rightfully deserves this award this year, many would agree, it’s Jamie Grace.
Kevin Davis: Jamie Grace
“Hold Me” (featuring TobyMac) was a mega-hit debut song and her debut album One Song At A Time is very solid.
Mary Burklin: Jamie Grace
Jamie Grace probably saw the most popularity build the fastest this past year in what seems like a fairytale career. Her inspiring hard work, lovely character, and strong music all make her a good choice for this category.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Who Should Win
Kevin McNeese: Lecrae
Never before has a rap artists been nominated for Artist of the Year. Christian Hip Hop (CHH) is exploding and this nomination solidifies what so many of us already know...Chrstian music is expanding. Let's acknowledge that with a win here.
Marcus Hathcock: Lecrae
How amazing is it that Christian music's reigning rapper is nominated in this category? Lecrae is at the top of his game, drawing young people away from negative secular hip-hop while impressing mainstream rappers with his artistic excellence and legitimacy. From his 2011 release of
Rehab: The Overdose to his multiple collaborations, including one with David Crowder*Band on the
Passion: Here For You album, Lecrae is a powerhouse in today's Christian music scene. I'm not sure he'll break through this year with a win, but he won't be able to be held back for long.
Sarah Fine: Laura Story
I was surprised at the list of nominees in this category this year. While each contender has justly earned their nomination, I felt like the one year artists such as Francesca Battistelli and Steven Curtis Chapman should have been nominated, they were snubbed. That aside, I truly feel like Laura Story, who recently took home a Grammy win, could finally garner the long-awaited attention she deserves in CCM by taking home this high profile award.
Kevin Davis: Laura Story
I just have a feeling that this is her year, and Laura may sweep in every category based on “Blessings.” I wasn’t surprised to see Casting Crowns and Laura Story on this list. I had hoped to also see NEEDTOBREATHE, Sidewalk Prophets and Francesca Battistelli on this list.
Mary Burklin: Lecrae
Lecrae never ceases to amaze me with his sold out, die-hard representation of the gospel in one of the hardest genres to successfully pull off as a believer. In a world where ego is often seen as essential to the musical style, Lecrae raps well, but with humility.
Kevin McNeese: Lecrae
I like a good success story. Lecrae is one of the most humble artists out there, and will represent the first nomination for his genre with considerable grace. This will be a standing ovation moment when he wins.
Marcus Hathcock: Laura Story
Laura Story won a GRAMMY this year. Yeah, that's a secular award. And she won it. Enough said?Her song (and book) "Blessings" has propelled her to being a household name in Christian music. That's a pretty good year.
Sarah Fine: Jason Crabb
Let’s be honest, Lecrae winning this award, while it would be extraordinary, is highly unlikely. The last time an artist even slightly similar to Lecrae won Artist of the Year was back in 1996 when dc Talk pulled an upset. Seeing all the different genres represented, I think this category could be anyone’s ballgame this year, but if I had to choose an obvious frontrunner, Jason Crabb takes the prize.
Kevin Davis: Laura Story
Her song “Blessings” has topped the charts most of the year and she deserves this award for her beautiful and moving song.
Mary Burklin: Lecrae
Lecrae has seemed to really surpass most audience boundaries, building an incredibly strong and diverse fanbase. He could easily pull a win in this area.
Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon covering the 2011 nominees for Rock Recorded Song Of The Year, Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song, Inspirational Recorded Song and Worship Song Of The Year.
