Hillsong UNITED Leads 2014 GMA Dove Award With 5 Wins

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, October 08, 2014

Hillsong UNITED was honored with five wins at the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday night.

The celebrated worship band scored top prizes including Artist of the Year, Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year, and Song of the Year for their song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," a song that topped Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart for over 50 weeks. Hillsong UNITED's "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" also took home trophies for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year.

Accepting the awards on behalf of Hillsong, creative pastor JD spoke of the importance of the local church.

"We believe the local church is going to be the salvation to the rest of the world," he said. "Keep the church strong. Through the sacrifices of many… on behalf of the thousands of volunteers, over the past 30 years I've been honored to be a part of this."

The group, which originated in Hillsong Church, was actually nominated for an astonishing 10 Dove Awards this year. Nevertheless, Hillsong UNITED stated that earning recognition for their music is not a priority.

"We are honored to receive these nominations for Dove Awards and are humbled that people listen to our music," the Hillsong Music Team said in a statement. "We pray that it always points them to Jesus. To God be the Glory!"

Meanwhile, the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards took place at Lipscomb University and were hosted by rapper Lecrae and Bart Millard of MercyMe. Other Dove Awards winners included Switchfoot, Tamela Mann, Karen Peck & New River, Michael W. Smith and Erica Campbell, among many more. The evening also saw performances by Natalie Grant, Newsboys, KING & COUNTRY and Mandisa, and several other leading Christian artists.

The awards show will air on the Trinity Broadcasting Network on Sunday, Oct. 12.