Artist of the Year Nominees are Casting Crowns, Jason Crabb, Laura Story, Lecrae, and The Isaacs 

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Awards Show to be Held April 19 at Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, GA- (February 22, 2012) –The Gospel Music Association (GMA) today announced the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees at a press conference held at The Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta, GA, which was streamed live at HearItFirst.  Nominees were announced by GRAMMY nominated R&B artist Montell Jordan, known for his iconic hit “This is How We Do It,” BET “Lift Every Voice” host CoCo Brother, Daytime EMMY nominated comedian Chonda Pierce, and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler AJ Styles.

Atlanta will host the Dove Awards for a second time at the Fox Theatre on April 19, 2012, following a sold-out show in 2011 hosted by Sherri Shepherd, which aired on the Gospel Music Channel and garnered 1.5 million viewers.

The Dove Awards have featured performances and appearances by some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports, including Whitney Houston, Tim Tebow, Sherri Shepherd, and Kathie Lee Gifford.  It has showcased many of the nation’s leading Christian music artists, including Amy Grant, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Casting Crowns, Mary Mary, Third Day and more.

“The GMA is excited to again honor the artists, songwriters and creative individuals in our community through the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards” said Jackie Patillo, GMA’s Executive Director.  “This event not only celebrates great work, but provides a platform to further our mission of exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music.”

Some of the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees include:

Artist of the Year

Jason Crabb
Laura Story
Lecrae
The Isaacs

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
Hallelujah; ; LeCrae; ; ; Reach
INTOXICATED; GENESIS SNAPSHOTS; JAYESS; ; ; ZOE RECORDS
Please Don’t Let Me Go; Outta Space Love; Group 1 Crew; Manwell Reyes, Pablo Villatoro, Andy Anderson, David Garcia; ; Fervent
Riot; Backlight; Tedashi; ; ; Reach Records
The Overdose; Rehab Deluxe; Lecrae; ; ; Reach Records

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Backlight; Tedashi; ; Reach Records
Captured; FLAME; Lamontt Blackshire, Courtney Peebles, Stephen Towns, Abraham Olaleye, Derek Johnson, Alex Hitchens, Brandon Shockley, Dion, Burroughs, Alex Medina; Clear Sight Music
Culture Shock; Jai
Rehab: The Overdose; LeCrae; ; Reach Records
The Whole Truth; D.A. Truth; ; Universal

For more information, please visit www.gospelmusic.org and www.hearitfirst.com.