The Gospel Music Association (GMA) made announcements this week about the 44th Annual Dove Awards. Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin, two names that are synonymous with Christian Music, will share the hosting duties on October 15 and Dr. Bobby Jones, Isaac Carree, Jaci Velasquez, Lecrae, and Pastor Rick Warren will be presenting awards. Thus far, the Gaither Vocal Band, Michael W. Smith, Tamela Mann and tobyMac are the only confirmed performers but there will definitely be more to come.
This year's awards will bring some of the biggest changes seen in the history of the Doves. For the first time in 44 years, there will be no awards for Male Artist of the Year or Female Artist of the Year. After 31 years, Group of the Year has also been retired. Urban Recorded Song of the Year and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year have been merged to create Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year while Urban Album of the Year and Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year have been merged to create Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year. The Doves won't just be saying goodbye to the old; they'll also be saying hello to four new categories. Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year, Southern Gospel Performance of the Year and Gospel Performance of the Year will debut in 2013 as will Inspirational Film of the Year.
The awards won't air live, but will be broadcast on Monday, October 21st at 8:00pm ET on the UP network.
