Switchfoot Scores 3 Dove Awards, Ellie Holcomb Named New Artist of the Year
The 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards took place in Nashville, Tennessee honoring today's top Christian artists on Tuesday night, including Switchfoot, Skillet and Ellie Holcomb, to name a few.
Switchfoot, which is best known for songs "Dare You To Move" and "Meant to Live" among many more, earned three Dove Awards including Rock Contemporary Song for "Love Alone is Worth the Fight." The Christian alternative rock band also earned Dove Awards for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year for "Fading West" and the Long Form Video of the Year.
Another veteran rock band, Skillet, was also recognized during the awards ceremony. Skillet earned two Dove Awards for Rock Album of the year and the Rock Song for "Not Gonna Die." While the band was not able to attend the Doves this year because of their European tour, the group issued a special thanks to fans.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"I have to say it was pretty cool hearing the news about these wins," lead vocalist John Cooper told Billboard. "We couldn't be there since we are heading to Europe again this week, but to have this album recognized in this way was definitely an honor and we're really thankful."
Furthermore, newcomer Ellie Holcomb was recognized during the ceremony, earning the coveted New Artist of the Year Award. Telling the crowd she was "really shocked" by the win, the singer noted her thanks to Jesus.
"What an honor and a privilege it is to get to sing and to speak like so many of you about Jesus, who has shown up in the heights of our joy and in the depths of our suffering," she said.
Mandisa also picked up a Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for "Overcomer."
"I am very thankful for this," the "American Idol" alum said, according to the Tennessean. "I think back to eight years ago, and 'American Idol' and I was convinced that I was being kicked to the curb. I don't know what to do but I'm a living witness, if you seek first the Kingdom of God."
Other awards went to Chris Tomlin who was named songwriter on the year, while Ernie Haase & Signature Sound won Southern Gospel Album of the Year for "Oh What a Savior." Karen Peck and New River also took home a Southern Gospel Song of the Year Award for "Revival" while Kari Jobe won the Praise and Worship Album of the Year.
"We are so incredibly grateful for this," Peck said, according to Billboard. "What a blessing to write with such incredible writers."
The Dove Awards were hosted by Lecrae and MercyMe front man Bart Millard this year. The event saw inspiring and unique performances by Natalie Grant, the Newsboys, Erica Campbell and many more.
The ceremony will air on the Trinity Broadcasting Network on Sunday, Oct. 12.
