As the co-host of Ion Media Networks television show Inner City Gospel, I had the honor of covering Gospel and Christian Music’s biggest night of the year! On April 20th the 42nd Annual Dove Awards was celebrated at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theater. The Gospel Music Association’s (GMA’s) bold step to hold this year’s Dove Awards outside of Nashville for the very first time, proved to be a huge success. This decision follows a contract renewal with Atlanta-based network, GMC, which has broadcast the Dove Awards for the past four years. The GMA serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more.

Although this year’s Dove Awards was void of the traditional week long series of events known as “Gospel Music Week”, the people of Atlanta stepped in and partnered with the GMA to provide several Dove Awards showcases and parties leading up to the big night. Everyone from “The C-Room” (Forest Park Christian Club) founder & Pastor, Sergio Croom who was honored by the GMA Board, to a myriad of other Christian event promoters out of Nashville, provided a platform for both major and independent artists to share their message of hope and love.

Another first for the GMA was selecting a non-musical act to host this year’s awards show. TV host and Comedienne Sherri Shepherd was chosen for the task and she delivered. Sherri captivated the audience with her charm and quick wit while genuinely appearing to enjoy the performances. Chris Tomlin and the Passion Artists started out the evening with a Praise and Worship sing-a-long of “Our God.” Christian Rock band Third Day performed their single “Children of God,” which represented hope as they were joined by Mark Hall of Casting Crowns and Steven Curtis Chapman to honor Chapman and his wife Mary Beth’s Ministry, SHOW HOPE with the GMC UPLIFT SOMEONE award. The legendary Kenny Rogers and Point Of Grace finished with a standing ovation. This kicked off a night of explosive collaborations with a memorable highlight being “The Singing Pastors.” Bishop Paul S. Morton, Marvin Sapp, Smokey Norful, Deitrick Haddon, Donald Lawrence & Bishop Darrell Hines delivered a moving performance of the song “Undivided” which spoke volumes about the importance of unity and love. However, the most moving moment of the evening was when Marvin Sapp dedicated his award to the memory of his late wife. There was not a dry eye in the house. Kirk Franklin set the Fox Theater on fire with his high energy closing that rounded out an evening of performances that ranged from country to hip-hop to contemporary gospel, rock and pop, all representing the uplifting message of Gospel and Christian music. For a complete listing of this year’s winners visit http://www.gospelmusic.org/files/Doves/dovewinners2011.pdf. The Dove Awards will air throughout the year on GMC or visit www.watchgmctv.com for show times.