TobyMac Wins First AMA: It's 'Meaningful to Me'
While already a multi-award winning singer, TobyMac has scooped his first-ever American Music Award this week.
The Christian recording artist, also known as Toby McKeehan, picked up the AMA for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary/Inspirational category during Sunday's 40th annual awards ceremony.
"This is my first AMA," the singer posted on Twitter when learning of his win. He was unable to attend the awards show because of his Winter Jam tour schedule.
"I still can't believe it. It is so meaningful to me because the people I'm thinking about when I'm writing these songs are the ones who vote," TobyMac continued. "Thank YOU guys from the bottom of my heart!"
He later added, "Thank you guys sooooo much!! You ARE the best!"
The honor comes as no surprise. TobyMac recently achieved number-one Billboard Top 200 status with his latest release, "Eye On It," which garnered him the highest chart debut of his solo career.
The 5-time Grammy Award-winner is one of the best-known Christian rappers and is also a producer, songwriter, and author. Native to Fairfax, Virginia, TobyMac has released 10 albums over the course of his career. He is an 11-time Dove Award-winner. Among his six Contemporary Hit Radio number one songs are "Gone," "Made to Love," and "Love My Soul."
TobyMac and his wife Amanda live in Franklin, Tennessee with their five children.
The American Music Awards recognize recording artists based on a poll of the public as well as music buyers.
Sunday's AMAs were broadcasted live from Los Angeles' Nokia theater and saw performances by Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Psy, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and many other of today's biggest names in music.
Big winners of the night included Justin Bieber, Nicki MInaj, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Taylor Swift, among many more.