Partial list of winners:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Zach Williams
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Tauren Wells
SONG OF THE YEAR: “Reckless Love” – writers Caleb Culver, Cory Asbury, Ran Jackson, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Richmond Park Publishing, Watershed Music Publishing
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (ARTIST): Matthew West
SOUTHERN GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Gaither Vocal Band
GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
INSPIRATIONAL FILM OF THE YEAR: I CAN ONLY IMAGINE (directors) The Erwin Brothers, (producers) Kevin Downes and Cindy Bond
Select quotes from the 49th Annal GMA Doves Awards:
“I was literally in the back with my pants undone changing… then I heard my name and ran. ‘What award is this? ..New Artist of the Year?’ I am so thankful for this privilege. Thank You!” – Tauren Wells on accepting New Artist of the Year
“What a privilege this is. Isn’t it just like the Lord to take our failures and our overall jacked-up mess and turn it into something beautiful. He takes our disappointments and turns them into a dance floor. He allows us to be kids again.” – Cory Asbury, co-writer of Song of the Year “Reckless Love”
“When you’re a little kid in Alabama singin’ gospel songs….you never think someday you’ll win an award for doing what you love.” Bradley Walker – winner for Bluegrass/Country Roots Album
“I was at the first Dove Awards as a child. I remember being in those bleachers wishing I could be Stryper. You know you are old when a kid says you like the man from the UP movie.” Mark Lowry
“The performances were second to none and offered glory and revenant love to our father and his kingdom, ” says GMA President and Executive Director Jackie Patillo.