Awards Highlight 15th Annual ICM Week

Craig Morgan, Point of Grace and Halfway to Hazard are among the artists confirmed to perform at the 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Thursday, October 15. The show takes place 7pm at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium in Hendersonville and tickets can be purchased for $45 from www.icm-awards.com. Additional performers confirmed for the event include Dennis Agajanian, The Carter Twins, Katalyst, Jordyn Shellhart, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, Cherryholmes, Jason Crabb, Randy Houser, Adam Gregory, James Payne and more. The 2009 ICM Awards will be aired on TCT Networks, The Worship Network, and more. A full list of award nominees is included below.

The Awards show is the keynote event of the Annual Inspirational Country Music Week, which started in Hendersonville yesterday (10/11). Attendees are treated to meet and greet sessions and autograph signings with artists, as well as numerous live music showcases like the ICM Sumner County Benefit Concert tonight (10/12), 7pm at Trinity Music City USA. Performers include Matthew Wacaster, Sandra Dee, The Roys, The Carter Twins, and Halfway to Hazard. Proceeds from the $20 admission price will go toward the purchase of weather radios for Sumner County residents.

Also included in the week is the 2009 ICM Talent Competition, scheduled for 9:30am Wednesday (10/13) at Trinity Music City USA. The cost is $200 per entrant, and any Christian or Inspirational genre is acceptable. The winning act will receive a three song project and one HMG single release marketed to radio. Register for the competition here.

2009 ICM Awards Nominees:
Entertainer of the Year
Barry McGee, CrossCountry The Band, Del Way, James Payne, Point Of Grace

Male Vocalist
Allen Frizzell, Del Way, Greg McDougal, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist
Amanda Fessant, Denean Workman, Kathy Joy Bell, Mary James, Sandra Dee

Vocal Duo of the Year
Bellamy Brothers, Branded, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Robert & James, The Roys

Vocal Group
CrossCountry The Band, Last Light Band, Point Of Grace, The Akins, The Springs

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
“Everything Is Fine” — Josh Turner
“God Must Really Love Me” — Craig Morgan
“Sissy’s Song” — Alan Jackson
“Somebody Said A Prayer” — Billy Ray Cyrus
“Up To Him” — Tracy Lawrence

Mainstream Country Artist
Jeff Bates, Josh Turner, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Tracy Lawrence

Christian Country Song of the Year
“Good Ole Boys” — James Payne and Del Way
“Loving You” — Greg McDougal with Tammy Cochran
“Make It Into Heaven” — Steve Richard
“Man Of His Word” — Allen Frizzell
“The Devil’s Game” — Tommy Brandt

Songwriter of the Year
Del Way, Greg McDougal, James Payne, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Video
“Everything Is Fine” — Josh Turner, Director: Roman White
“God Must Really Love Me” — Craig Morgan, Director: Eric Welch
“Sissy’s Song” — Alan Jackson, Director: Scott Scovill
“Up To Him” — Tracy Lawrence, Director: Flick Wiltshire
“Waitin’ On A Woman” — Brad Paisley, Director: Jim Shea/Peter Tilden

New Artist
Clay Dustin, Glen Shelton, Jayc Harold, Nichole Hope Crandell, Steve Richard, The Akins

Musician of the Year
Charlie Daniels, Dennis Agajanian, Gordon Mote, Greg McDougal, Ricky Skaggs

Legend / Pioneer Award
CrossCountry The Band, Gayla Earlene, Ken Holloway, Ricky Skaggs, Last Light Band

Comedy Act of the Year
Barry McGee, Chonda Pierce, Jeff Treece, Mark Lowry, Steve McGranahan,World’s Strongest Redneck

Radio Personality of the Year
J.R. Pitsenbarger, Leon Joplin, Red Ellis, Rich Miller, Robby Lynn

Radio Station of the Year
KIJN, Farwell TX
KKUS, Tyler TX
WCWV, Summersville WV
WJCR, Upton KY
WTYS, Marianna FL

Inspirational Country Bluegrass Award
Alison Krauss, Lawrence Bishop, Marty Raybon, New Jerusalem, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, The Isaacs

Youth In Music Award
Abbey, Calina Boggs, Hannah Belle, Luke Womac, Mackenzie Morgan, Matthew Wacaster

Music Evangelist of the Year
Corey Brooks, CrossCountry The Band, Melanie Walker, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Faith, Family, & Country Movie
Billy, The Early Years: Solex Productions
Fireproof, Provident Films
Hannah Montana: The Movie, Disney
Saving God, Cloud Ten Pictures
The Genius Club, Cloud Ten Pictures

Television Network
Daystar, Gospel Music Channel, TCT Network, Three Angels Broadcasting Network, Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN)