Dove Awards Showcase Diverse Styles, United Message

Hillsong emerged as the big winner during the 45th annual Dove Awards, held Tuesday (Oct. 7) at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville.
Hillsong, the musical arm of Sydney, Australia-based Hillsong Church, earned five honors, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, for “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail).” Hillsong Church also earned a Lifetime Achievement Award for its work in ministry for the past 20 years. Hillsong team member Jonathon Douglass accepted the honors on behalf of the organization. Hillsong’s musical branch incorporates several groups, including Hillsong United and Hillsong Young and Free. “We believe the local church will be the salvation of generations. People’s lives are meeting Jesus and as long as that keeps happening we will keep doing this in Jesus’ name,” said Douglass.
The evening featured performances from soulful singer Erica Campbell (featuring Lecrae), girl pop group 1 Girl Nation, worship leader Kari Jobe, rapper Andy Mineo, gospel performer Hezekiah Walker and more. Newcomer duo Love and The Outcome displayed their multiple talents during “He Is With Us,” featuring Chris Rademaker on guitar and harmonies, while Jodi King simultaneously handled lead vocals, keyboard and drum duties.

Rapper Lecrae, who recently scored a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 with his album Anomaly, and MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard proved fitting hosts for the evening of diverse musical styles. The pair turned their musical differences into a comedic moment when Millard tried his hand at rapping, with the aid of a “hypeman,” and Lecrae sang backed by guitars.
“Where are the turntables at?” asked Lecrae.
“Oh we actually play our music,” replied Millard, to the roaring laughter of the crowd.
“I’ll remember that next time I’m on Fallon,” retorted Lecrae, referencing his recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Later in the evening, after a country/folk-inspired performance, MercyMe was surprised onstage with the news that their signature song, 2001’s “I Can Only Imagine,” has become the first gospel song to earn 2 million digital downloads.
After bringing the crowd to its feet with a rendition of her hit single “Overcomer,” Mandisa took home her first Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. “I am thankful for this. I think back to [finishing in ninth place on] American Idol eight years ago. I was convinced that I was being kicked to the curb. I didn’t know what to do, but I’m a living witness, if you seek first the kingdom of God.”
Dove Award favorite Natalie Grant showcased her formidable, soulful vocal on an a cappella snippet of “I Need Thee Every Hour,” followed by her recent single “Hurricane.”
Producer Brown Bannister’s daughter and rising artist Ellie Holcomb earned New Artist of the Year. She offered an emotional acceptance speech, quoting Hosea 6:3, and thanking fans who helped her launch her album As Sure As The Sun via Kickstarter this year.
Talented entertainers and musicians For King & Country’s performance closed out the show with a mix of drums, high-energy music and confetti, capping an evening that celebrated uplifting music made of varying styles, but a united message.
The 45th annual Dove Awards will be broadcast on the Trinity Broadcasting Network on Sunday, Oct. 12.
The Dove Awards recently secured a long-term partnership with Lipscomb University in Nashville, which includes housing the Gospel Music Association’s offices on campus. The Dove Awards for 2015 will be held at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena on Oct. 13, while the 2016 Dove Awards will be held at Allen Arena on Oct. 11.
45th Annual Dove Awards Winners
Song of the Year—“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” – Hillsong UNITED, (writers) Matt  Crocker, Joel Houston, Salomon Ligthelm (publisher) Hillsong Music  Publishing/EMICMGPublishing.com
Songwriter of the Year—Chris Tomlin
Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year—“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong  Music/Sparrow Records, (producer) Michael Guy Chislett
Artist of the Year—Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Music
New Artist of the Year—Ellie Holcomb
Producer of the Year—Ed Cash
Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year—“100,” KB (ft. Andy Mineo), (writers) Kevin Burgess, Andy Mineo, Lasanna “ACE” Harris, Joseph Prielozny
Rock Song of the Year—”Not Gonna Die,” Skillet, (writers) John  Cooper, Korey Cooper
Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year—“Love Alone Is Worth The Fight,” Switchfoot, (writers) Jon Foreman, Tim  Foreman
Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year—“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” Hillsong UNITED, (writers) Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, Salomon Ligthelm
Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year—“Every Praise,” Hezekiah Walker, (writer) David Bratton, Hezekiah Walker
Worship Song of the Year—“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” Hillsong UNITED, (writers) Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, Salomon Ligthelm (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing/EMICMGPublishing.com
Rock Album of the Year—Rise, Skillet, (producer) Howard Benson
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year—Overcomer, Mandisa, (producers) David Garcia, Christopher Stevens, Chuck Butler, Ronald Rawls
Praise and Worship Album of the Year—Majestic, Kari Jobe, (producer) Jeremy Edwardson
Inspirational Film of the Year—God’s Not Dead, (director) Harold Cronk, (producer) Pure Flix Entertainment
Official images provided by Rick Diamond and Terry Wyatt of Getty Images for the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards.