The 42nd annual Dove awards were held in Atlanta this year. The troubled GMA has been fighting financial problems for years. Despite the organizations waning survival, the award show proceeded this year to recognize some of Christian & Gospel music’s artists. As with most of America I did not have immediate interest to watch the golden Doves but did run a DVR playback of the show. Here are some brief observations of the show and my immediate thoughs. Some comments should be taken with a sense of humor of course.
Chris Tomlin and his entourage began the broadcast began with “Our God”. Chris is a great songwriter but as with most modern worship the performances fall flat. I will say however there’s is nothing like watching worship in $350 designer jeans. Of course, I'm only kidding.
Sherri Sheppard host officially opens the awards. Smart choice if the organization wants to bring in viewers. Sherri has a great sense of humor and is a pro at hosting live television as she is one of the co-hosts of the “the view”. Who else could give Christian music prince Toby Mac a hard time, Sherri can.
Mary, Mary up next with “Never waive my flag”. A great performance of the song. The male dancer thing came off as kind of creepy though. They looked like male models who were directing traffic rather than dancing.
Male Vocalist of the year. Chris August: Despite a few flat jokes, fine speech but please quit staring at your dove and look up a the audience Chris.
The always funny Chonda Pierce joins Sherri on stage for introduction.
Kenny Rogers with Point of Grace. Kenny is a staple in the country music genre but Christian music? Gimme a break. Horrible plastic surgery certainly has taken its toll on Kenny who now looks more like a Jack Links Sasquatch than the Gambler. Point of Grace, who knew they were still around?
Sandi Patti triubute by female vocalist of the year. Nice job, highlights were Janet Paschal, Natalie Grant. However I will say most singers trying to do Sandi Patti music justice is like amateur night at your local karaoke night club. 39 dove awards, 11 as female vocalist of the year. Nobody can deliver a vocal like Sandi, well except maybe Natalie Grant!
Female vocalist of the year going to Francesca Batttistelli, I was surprised to see Janet Paschal nominated here. Not that Janet isn’t talented, it is just that her genre of music is usually looked over in this category. Way to go Janet though on the nomination, You deserve it with your many years in gospel music ministry.
Southern Rockers Third Day took the stage. “Children of God” touching presentation. Third Day have almost become legends in Christian Music themselves. Steven Curtis Chapman and Mark Hall join TD in this song recognizing adoption.
Great to see Steven and Marybeth on stage again. They have been through so much. Bless them for all of their work beyond Music.
Contemporary gospel song of the year, Marvin Sapp, “The Best in Me”. Yeah! Finally Marvin you deserve it. Your faithfulness to God ought to be honored.
Lecrae “Background” performance. Fun to see Natalie Grant up there. This borders on what Christian music could be. A greater expression of diversity is needed today.
Ernie Hause and signature sound: “Boundless Love”. Southern gospel at a whole new level. Nice job guys.
Committed “Soon ah will be done” : This acapella performance was amazing.
Soon and Very Soon: They did Andre’s song justice on this combo performance.
Short form Music video of the year. SMS Shine, have not seen it. A well deserved award category since most record companies plop down up to a quarter of a million dollars in production.
Mike’s Chair: “I will follow”. Great Band and Great delivery.
Jason Crab: “Sometimes I cry” A veteran who’s been around for years delivers an honest believable performance. This guys is an incredible talent. He should make a great soul record.
New Artist of the Year: Chris August nails it again. Still staring at the award Chris? No , better this time.
Francesca Battistelli: “This is the Stuff”: The Amish Ukulele players are a first I think for the dove awards. Great Vocal as always for Francesca.
Artist and Pastors in Worship: “undivided” (originally by first call). Beautiful, Oh my goodness. The best part of the night and so anointed. Smokie Norful, Marvin Sapp, and more. What more can I say.
Santus Real “Lead Me” Performance is somewhat forgettable. I’m sure they are a fine band but couldn’t find anything exceptional about the performance.
Tenth Avenue North: “You Are More” This band is interesting and has great stage presence. The sincerity comes through in their performance.
Artist of the year: Francesca Battistelli, Hard working woman and very talented.
Song of the Year: “Sometimes I cry” Jason Crabb. Wow…so incredible. Jason’s delivery is remarkable & Very rootsy,. Award accepted by Jason and his father. Way to go Tommy Simms with production
This is a the first year out of Nashville in a long time. The broadcast seemed to lack a certain sense of direction. If the Industry keeps the Doves going outside of Nashville it’s just a matter of time to get down the vibe and a better production. One wonders what it all means. The awards are recognition but do nothing to show advancement of the gospel. The focus of the show could be the music message, the creator, the worldwide advancement of the gospel. For the most-part, the message gets lost among self recognition.
