Michael W. Smith, who won the artist of the year Dove last year, was nominated in eight categories, including songwriter and male vocalist of the year. Fred Hammond earned seven nominations, including nods for contemporary gospel recorded song and album of the year, as well as traditional gospel album of the year. Hammond was also nominated for male vocalist of the year. The 31st annual Dove Awards program will be broadcast April 20 from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Television personality Kathie Lee Gifford will host the program, which will be broadcast through syndication in various stations nationwide.
Many stations plan to air the awards show as a television special during the Easter holiday weekend.
We are significantly expanding the market's audience base. The talent our industry offers and the increased demand for value entertainment by society puts us in the position of delivering a quality television special during the most important holiday to the Christian faith. The 2000 Dove Award nominees included some surprises along with the usual gospel music superstars. The GMA was founded in 1964 and has 5,500 members. The organization's Dove Awards honor vocalists, musicians, songwriters, producers and record companies for their contributions to gospel music.