Six of gospel music’s most popular artists will take center stage to hand out Dove Awards at Music City’s Grand Ole Opry House next month. The artists – Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans, Rebecca St. James, Smokie Norful, Darlene Zschech and Israel Houghton – will be the hosts for the 36th Annual GMA Music Awards, scheduled for Wednesday, April 13, announced John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and executive producer of the GMA Music Awards.
“The GMA Music Awards are an opportunity to celebrate excellence in gospel music, so who better to be the face of the Doves than six artists who have made distinct contributions to the success of gospel music in recent years. CeCe, Darlene, Israel, Rebecca, Smokie and Steven are not only beloved artists, but as a group, they reflect the diversity, creativity and boldness that have helped to raise the profile of gospel music in our culture today. We expect to have a lot of fun with them, teaming them up in hosting pairs to provide spirited repartee throughout the Doves,” said Styll.
Styll also announced that the GMA Music Awards would be televised in national syndication during the month of June. Central City Productions of Chicago, Ill., will handle first run syndication through network affiliates and independent stations nationwide, with an expected audience reach of at least 75 percent of U.S. television households. The GMA Music Awards website – www.gmamusicawards.com — will provide a regularly updated list of confirmed broadcast times and outlets. The Doves will be offered on several inspirational cable networks after the first-run syndication.
The GMA Music Awards will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13 with a new format for 2005. Previously, the awards show was divided into a pre-show, where most of the 44 categories of Dove Awards were handed out, and the main show, which primarily featured performances. This year’s Doves will be one show, with awards and performances sharing the limelight. The six hosts will team up in pairs to introduce the performances and presenters of the awards. Announcements about performers and presenters for the GMA Music Awards, which are being produced by Steve Gilreath Television, will be forthcoming.
“This year’s Doves will be a terrific opportunity for music fans to see all of the artists they love and to hear from their hearts as they accept their industry’s highest honors. And, the selected performances will represent the most exciting and entertaining music of the year.”
Tickets for the live show are currently on sale through www.gmamusicawards.com, or by telephoning 615-242-0303, ext. 238.
In the weeks leading up to the 36th Annual GMA Music Awards, music fans will have several opportunities to watch re-broadcasts of the 2004 GMA Music Awards, which were hosted by Yolanda Adams and Deion Sanders and featured performances and appearances by Amy Grant, Bono, Casting Crowns, Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams, Hezekiah Walker, Jars of Clay, Jeremy Camp, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, MercyMe, Michael W. Smith, Out of Eden, Randy Travis, Third Day, tobyMac and more. PAX-TV presents an Easter holiday re-broadcast of the Doves on Thursday, March 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and the Worship Network will air the Music Awards on its overnight programming four times – April 2, 3, 9 and 10. Check www.worship.net for more details.
Central City Productions, which is most known for syndicating the Stellar Awards, is a full-service television production company that produces, syndicates and manages advertising sales for all of its programs. Network affiliates and broadcast stations interested in the 36th Annual GMA Music Awards for syndication can contact CCP at 312-654-1100 or 303-771-3513.
Founded in 1964, the 4,500-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children’s gospel music. The GMA produces the GMA Music Awardsä, which recognizes achievement in all genres of gospel music and are voted on by members of the GMA.
