A Dove Award is an accolade by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry. The awards are presented annually. Formerly held in Nashville, Tennessee, the Dove Awards took place in Atlanta, Georgia during 2011 and 2012, but has since moved back to Nashville, Tennessee. The ceremonies feature live musical performances and are broadcast on TBN.

The awards were established in 1969, and represent a variety of musical styles, including rock, pop, hip hop, country, and urban.

History

The Dove Awards were originally conceptualized by Gospel singer and songwriter Bill Gaither, at a Gospel Music Association board meeting in 1968. The idea of the award being represented by a dove is credited to Gaither and design for the award itself is credited to gospel singer Les Beasley. The first GMA Dove Awards were held at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee in October 1969. In 1971, the awards moved to Nashville, Tennessee.

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 in Nashville, Tennessee, and was hosted by Rebecca St. James, Matthew West, and Lisa Kimmey.

Nominations were announced on February 20, 2009 by Lisa Kimmey, Dan Evans and Jackie Evans during a press conference at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Information Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Steven Curtis Chapman won two awards, including Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, while Tenth Avenue North won New Artist of the Year. Casting Crowns and Brandon Heath each won three awards. Other multiple winners include: Third Day, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Michael W. Smith.

Performers

The following performed:

Presenters

The following presented:

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards presentation ceremony was held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 7:30 P.M. EST at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. The ceremony recognized the accomplishments of musicians and other figures within the Christian music industry for the year 2011. The ceremony was produced by the Gospel Music Association and was hosted by actor David Mann and comedian Chonda Pierce. The awards show was broadcast on the Gospel Music Channel on April 24, 2012.

Performers

The following musical artists performed at the 43rd GMA Dove Awards:

Nominees and winners

This is a complete list of the nominees for the 43rd GMA Dove Awards. The winners are in bold.

General