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 divi ...

Nashville, Tennessee Nashville is the capital city of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the seat of Davidson County. With a population of 689,447 at the 2020 U.S. census, Nashville is the most populous city in the state, 21st most-populous city in the U.S., and ...

, and was hosted by

Rebecca St. James Rebecca Jean Fink (; born 26 July 1977), known professionally as Rebecca Jean or Rebecca St. James, is an Australian Christian pop rock singer, songwriter and actress. She began performing in Australia in the late 1980s and released Refresh My H ...

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 late ...

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 Ed ...

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 music, gospel group. The group was founded in 1939 in Talladega, Alabama, and has featured a ch ...

, and Michael W. Smith.

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 Carol ...

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 American ...

*Chyna Vaughan ( Chyna Phillips and

Vaughan Penn Vaughan Penn is an American singer/songwriter/producer from North Carolina who has had over 150 major television and film placements featuring 55 original songs. She's known for her unique sound of earthy-pop-rock music that combines meaningful ...

) * Sinbad * A.J. Styles * Mandisa *

Phil Stacey Joel Philip Stacey (born January 21, 1978) is an American singer who first gained national attention on season 6 of the television talent show ''American Idol''. After being eliminated from the competition on May 2, 2007, he was signed to a recor ...

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 20 ...

* Michael W. Smith – 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) ...

* Richie McDonald *

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 music ...

* Martha Munizzi *

Mary Alessi Mary Alessi is a Christian songwriter and Worship leader. Early years The daughter of evangelists, Mary and her twin sister Martha Munizzi were born in Lakeland, Florida but grew up traveling across the United States and ministering through mu ...

DecembeRadio DecembeRadio was an American Christian rock band formed in 2003 and composed of bassist and lead vocalist Josh Reedy, lead guitarist Brian Bunn, rhythm guitarist Eric Miker and drummer Boone Daughdrill. Reedy, Bunn and Miker first ventured out o ...

* GRITS *

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 *

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 * Damita Haddon *

Mac Powell Mac Powell (born Johnny Mac Powell; December 25, 1972), originally from Clanton, Alabama, is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and musician who formed the Christian rock band Third Day with guitarist Mark Lee, with both of them being ...

– introduced the " Oh Happy Day" 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 seni ...

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 ...

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 an ...

;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 * 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 Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is an American Southern Gospel quartet founded in 2002 by Ernie Haase, former Cathedral Quartet tenor and Garry Jones, former Gold City pianist. As of November 2021, the group consists of Dustin Doyle (lead/bariton ...

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 f ...

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 han ...

;Male Vocalist of the Year *

* Jon Foreman *

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 Ca ...

* 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 ...

* Mandisa *

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 Laura Mixon Story Elvington is an American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter. ''Billboard'' ranked her as the 40th Top Christian Artist of the 2010s. She has won a Grammy and six GMA Dove Awards. Her second studio album, ''Blessi ...

;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, 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, Au ...

, songwriters *"Never Going Back to OK" – The Afters **Matt Fuqua, Josh Havens, Brad Wigg, Dan Muckala, songwriters *"Reason Enough" –

**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 Records ...

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" –

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, ...

;Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year * ''Bebo Norman'' – Bebo Norman * '' Fall & Winter'' – Jon Foreman * '' My Paper Heart'' –

* '' Relentless'' –

* ''

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" –

* "For The Love Of The Game" – Pillar * "Lost" – Red * "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 ...

* "The Hunger" –

;Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year * "Find You Waiting" –

* "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" – The Afters * " Unbreakable" –

* " 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 ...

;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 ''For Love of the Game'' is a 1999 American sports drama film directed by Sam Raimi and written by Dana Stevens based on Michael Shaara's 1991 novel of the same title. Starring Kevin Costner and Kelly Preston, it follows the perfect game perfo ...

'' – Pillar * '' Satisfied'' –

* '' Southern Hospitality'' – Disciple * '' To Know That You're Alive'' –

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'' –

* ''

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 Yea ...

'' –

* '' Hello'' –

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 th ...

'' – The Afters * '' Unbreakable'' –

Rap/Hip-Hop

;Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year * "Beautiful Morning" – GRITS, featuring Pigeon John * "

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 ...

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

;Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year * '' Citizens Activ'' – Manafest * '' Ordinary Dreamers'' –

* ''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 s ...

'' – GRITS

Inspirational

;Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year * "A New Hallelujah" – Michael W. Smith * "For The Glory Of You" – Mark Harris * "Bless The Lord" –

* "Come Thou Fount" – Jadon Lavik * "Dependence" – Jamie Slocum ;Inspirational Album of the Year * '' After The Rain'' – Aaron & Amanda Crabb * ''

Great God Who Saves ''Great God Who Saves'' is the first official studio album from singer/songwriter Laura Story. The album was released on March 18, 2008. Critical reception ''Great God Who Saves'' garnered generally positive reception from music critics to crit ...

'' –

* ''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 * "I Believe God" – Brian Free & Assurance * "Reason Enough" –

* "Welcome To The Family" –

Booth Brothers The Booth Brothers is an American southern gospel vocal trio. It was originally formed in 1957 by four brothers but disbanded in 1963. It was reformed in 1990 by one of the original members, Ron Booth, with two of his sons, Michael and Ronnie B ...

* "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 i ...

;Southern Gospel Album of the Year *''Ephesians One'' –

Karen Peck & New River Karen Peck and New River is a southern gospel mixed group based in Gainesville, Georgia. Music career The youngest of three daughters, Karen was exposed to the traditional sounds of gospel music at a very early age. Her parents often took Kar ...

*''I Just Wanted You To Know'' – Kim Hopper *''

Lovin' Life ''Lovin' Life'' is an album from Contemporary Christian, Southern Gospel group Gaither Vocal Band. The album was released on April 15, 2008. Track listing # "I'm Forgiven" (Hibbard, Hockensmith, Omartian) - 4:00 # "Build an Ark" (Evans) - 3:32 # ...

'' –

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'' –

;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 * "Souled Out" – Hezekiah Walker & LFC * "Take It Back" – Dorinda Clark-Cole ;Traditional Gospel Album of the Year * ''A New Day'' –

Paul Porter Paul Porter (born c. 1954) is an American public address announcer best known for his work for the Orlando Magic of the NBA, and the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League. Porter has served as the arena voice for the Magic since the ...

* ''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 k ...

* ''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 music, 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 music, jaz ...

* ''

Down In New Orleans ''Down in New Orleans'' is a gospel album by The Blind Boys of Alabama, released in 2008. It won the award for Best Traditional Gospel Album at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. At the 40th GMA Dove Awards, the album was named the Traditional Go ...

'' –

;Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year * "Favor Of God" – Martha Munizzi * "Great Grace" – Alvin Slaughter * "How Great Is Our God" – LaRue Howard * "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 * " 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 ...

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

*'' The Standard'' – Take 6 *'' 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 chang ...

*"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 debuted ...

" –

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 absentee ...

'' –

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'' – Richie McDonald *'' Runaway Train'' – Crabb Revival ;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 into ...

*"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 *"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 Ho ...

, and The Easter Brothers *"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 Rec ...

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

, and The Easter Brothers *''What A Journey'' – Paul Williams & The Victory Trio

Praise & Worship

;Worship Song of the Year *"A New Hallelujah" – Michael W. Smith **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'' – Michael W. Smith *''

'' –

*'' 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" hav ...

'' – Leeland *'' The Invitation'' –

Urban

;Urban Recorded Song of the Year *" Declaration (This Is It)" –

*" Get Up" –

*"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 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'' –

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 ''The Fight of My Life'' is the ninth Gospel music, Gospel album by Kirk Franklin on GospoCentric Records. Synopsis Produced by Franklin, James "Jazzy" Jordan, Carla Williams and Jessie Hurst, the album features songs with several urban contempora ...

'' –

*''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 Seventh Day Slumber is an American Christian rock band from Dallas, Texas formed in 1996. They were an independent band for five years until they signed with BEC Records in 2005. They are best known for their song "Oceans from the Rain" which wa ...

*'' 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 ...

;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 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 *'' 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 w ...

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

'' (Deluxe Edition) – Demon Hunter *''

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

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

Slow Fade "Slow Fade" is a song by Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Written by Mark Hall, it was released as the third single from Casting Crowns' 2007 studio album ''The Altar and the Door''. Written after the public falls from grace of several church ...

" –

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

**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:

, Michael W. Smith

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 GMA Dove Awards 2009 in American music 2009 in Tennessee GMA