Dove Awards 2008

The Dove Awards were created in 1969 by the Gospel Music Association to reward outstanding achievement in Christian/gospel music. The award ceremony features performances by new and popular artists within the Gospel scene.

The 2008 awards ceremony was held, as ever, at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry entertainment complex. Chris Tomlin and Natalie Grant were named male and female Vocalists of the Year, while Christian Rapper TobyMac took home the Artist of the Year award. Secular-raised singer-songwriter Brandon Heath was New Artist of the Year.About.com: 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards Winners

1. Mark Hall
2. Brandon Heath
3. Bernie Herms
4. Leeland Mooring
5. Cindy Morgan (Winner)

1. Chris Tomlin (Winner)
2. Gerald Wolfe
3. Jon Foreman
4. Mark Hall
5. Mark Schultz
6. Marvin Sapp
7. tobyMac

1. Amy Grant (Winner)
2. Christy Nockels
3. Darlene Zschech
4. Krystal Meyers
5. Mandisa
6. Natalie Grant
7. Sandi Patty

1. Biased in favor of traditional gospel and pop artists
2. Favor well-established, radio-friendly artists
3. Popular artist Steven Curtis Chapman won the "Songwriter of the Year" award 9 out of 10 years some victories in years when he released no material

In 1971, the Dove Awards was hit by a scandal. The Blackwood Brothers, a popular group, were accused of conducting a campaign to enlist new members to the GMA in order to encourage members to vote a particular way. The incident led to a change in the way votes are cast.

• Song of the Year:
  • "East to West", Mark Hall, Bernie Herms
• Songwriter of the Year
  • Cindy Morgan
• Male Vocalist of the Year
  • Chris Tomlin
• Female Vocalist of the Year
  • Natalie Grant
• Artist of the Year
  • TobyMac
• Group of the Year
  • Casting Crowns
• Producer of the Year
  • Ian Eskelin
• New Artist of the Year
  • Brandon Heath