The Australian lads of Hillsong UNITED were the big winners at the 45th annual GMA Dove Awards this week, held at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN.
The group responsible for the #1 hit song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" took home a total of five golden trophies, including both the coveted Song of the Year and Artist of the Year spots. They also were awarded a special lifetime achievement award.
"We're not just a bunch of rat-bag Australians," UNITED singer and award show attendee Jonathon Douglass explained as he received the Artist of the Year award, "we feel called to give God our all, for an amazing purpose."
Also among the repeat winners were Skillet and Switchfoot, taking home two and three awards respectively (Rock Album of the Year and Rock Song of the Year for Skillet, Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year, Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year and Long Form Video of the Year for Switchfoot). Neither group was present to accept. Female vocalist Mandisa took home her first Dove for her latest release Overcomer, winning in the category of Pop/Contemporary group of the year. Ellie Holcomb took home New Artist of the Year, with her legendary producer father Brown Bannister at her side to support her.
The 2014 Dove Awards, hosted by chart-topping rapper Lecrae and Bart Millard of MercyMe, featured live performances by Newsboys, Kari Jobe, Brian Free & Assurance, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, for KING& COUNTRY, Natalie Grant, and many more. Stay tuned to NRT's facebook page for full photo coverage of the night, and check instagram and twitter for updates from the show.
The ceremony will be aired exclusively on the TBN network on Sunday, October 12th. Check your local listings for times and repeat airings.
