(BP)–Nominees for the 36th annual Dove Awards, gospel music’s top awards show, were announced Feb. 7.
Nominees from the major categories are:– Song of the Year: “Blessed Be Your Name” (Matt Redman, Beth Redman); “Dare You to Move” (Jonathan Foreman); “Friend of God” (Israel Houghton, Michael Gungor); “Glory Defined” (Jim Cooper, Kenny Lamb, Jason Roy); “Healing Rain” (Michael W. Smith, Martin Smith, Matt Bronleewe); “Meant to Live” (Jonathan Foreman); “More” (Matthew West, Jason Houser, Kenny Greenberg); “Through the Fire” (Gerald Crabb); “Who Am I” (Mark Hall, Juan DeVevo, Melodee DeVevo, Hector Cervantes, Megan Garret, Andy Williams, Chris Huffman); and “You Raise Me Up” (Rolf Lovland, Brendan Graham).
— Male Vocalist: Fernando Ortega, Israel Houghton, Jason Crabb, Jeremy Camp and Mark Hall.
— Female Vocalist: Bethany Dillon, Christy Nockels, Joy Williams, Natalie Grant and Nicole C. Mullen.
— Group of the Year: Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Selah, Switchfoot and The Crabb Family.
— Artist of the Year: Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Michael W. Smith, Selah and Switchfoot.
— New Artist of the Year: BarlowGirl, Bethany Dillon, Building 429, Day of Fire and Matthew West.
— Producer of the Year: Brown Bannister, Ed Cash, Israel Houghton, Mark A. Miller and Pete Kipley.
For a complete list of the nominees in the Doves’ 44 categories, visit www.doveawards.com. The 2005 Dove Awards will be April 13 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn.