Tomlin, Jars of Clay lead nominations for gospel's Doves

Tomlin, Jars of Clay lead nominations for gospel's Doves

By John Gerome
Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Christian singer Chris Tomlin, the Dove Awards' artist of the year in 2006, is the leading nominee of the gospel music awards again this year with nine nominations, including another nod for artist of the year.

Other leading nominees announced Tuesday for the Gospel Music Association's 38th annual awards were Jars of Clay with six and The Crabb Family with five. Newcomers Aaron Shust and the group Leeland had five each.

Tomlin was last year's leading nominee, and took home five trophies. Among the awards Tomlin is up for this year include song of the year and pop/contemporary song of the year for "Made to Worship,” praise and worship album and pop/contemporary album for "See the Morning” and special event album for "Passion: Everything Glorious.”

He also received two nominations in the worship song of the year category for "Made to Worship” and "Holy is the Lord.”

"I'm really blown away by the nominations and the recognition for the music,” Tomlin said from New York, where he performed Monday. "In our world and culture of music that seems to be all about making a name for yourself, it's an honor to carry the message of the everlasting God and his unending fame.”

Tomlin said he was particularly pleased to be recognized in the worship categories.

"That's what I've been doing for a long time, about 15 years now,” he said. "I try to write songs that give people a voice to worship God.”

This year's awards will be held April 27 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The show will be televised in national syndication in May.

Backstreet Boy and contemporary Christian artist Brian Littrell will co-host the show with singers Natalie Grant and Donnie McClurkin.

"I'm a ham, and I look forward to hamming it up in front of the camera,” Littrell said. "My problem will be sticking to the script.”

Littrell, who made his Christian album debut last year, was nominated for short form video for "Welcome Home.”

"It's been a big year in contemporary Christian and traditional gospel. To be part of it is a gracious experience,” he said.