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TobyMac, Matt Redman clean house at Dove Awards Print Email
Written by Jeremy Burns   
Wednesday, 16 October 2013 05:20 PM America/New_York

TobyMacWithAwardsDeWayne-cropped-webSix-time GRAMMY winner TobyMac took home four awards at the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards, including Artist of the Year—his second time winning the honor. The ForeFront Records (Capitol Christian Distribution) artist also garnered awards at the Oct. 15 ceremony in Nashville for Pop/Contemporary Album and Recorded Music Packaging for Eye on It and Short Form Video of the Year for the music video for his album’s title track.

“It feels weird to be called Artist of the Year when I know it takes a family, and I always want to acknowledge that,” said TobyMac. “I said in one of my songs a long time ago, I'm just a little man trying to fit in God's plan. I still feel like that.”

Matt Redman (sixstepsrecords/Capitol) won six awards—the most of any artist this year—including “Song of the Year” for his “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” and Songwriter of the Year.

 “We all run the race and it's tough, so we need a night of encouragement,” said co-host Amy Grant at the beginning of the ceremony.

Other key winners include For King & Country who won “New Artist of the Year” LeCrae’s Gravity (Rap/Hip Hop Album); Jason Crabb’s “What the Blood Is For” (Southern Gospel Song); Tasha Cobbs’ “Break Every Chain” (Gospel Performance); and Chris Tomlin’s Burning Lights (Praise and Worship Album). In all, 42 awards were conferred in a wide array of musical genres—as well as several production and film categories.

The UP network honored Mandisa with its “Uplift Someone” award. The network presented the award to the singer “for her music, message and humanitarian heart, all of which (individually and collectively) have inspired others.”

Performances by nominated artists and industry legends abounded throughout the evening, including tributes to Billy Graham by Michael W. Smith and Newsboys. Gospel artists Karen Peck, Daily & Vincent, Signature Sound and The Isaacs collaborated on a rendition of “He Touched Me” in honor of the Gaither Vocal Band.

“What an amazing night of music and honor,” said GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo. “On behalf of membership of the GMA, we are proud to present this year's Dove winners and congratulate each of them and the nominees on their achievements.”

The broadcast of the award ceremony is set to air Monday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. EDT on the UP network. For a complete list of winners, visit www.doveawards.com.