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Hillsong United named 2014 GMA Dove Awards Artist of the Year Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Wednesday, 08 October 2014 12:56 PM America/New_York

GMADoveAwards-presenters-webHillsong United took home five honors, including the Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, at the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards on Tuesday evening in Nashville.

Hillsong United’s “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” was named Song of the Year. “Oceans” has been at the top of Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart for more than 50 weeks.

“We believe the local church is going to be the salvation to the rest of the world, said Creative Pastor JD, accepting on behalf of Hillsong. “Keep the church strong. Through the sacrifices of many ... on behalf of thousands of volunteers over the past 30 years, I've been honored to be a part of this.”

Other multiple-award winners were Switchfoot with three and Skillet with two presented at the Oct. 7 event.

Co-hosted by Lecrae and MercyMe’s Bart Millard, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards drew record attendance at the Allen Arena on the Lipscomb University campus. The awards show will be broadcast exclusively on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) this Sunday, Oct. 12.

The awards were handed out in 42 categories. Televised award winners include: Ellie Holcomb, New Artist of the Year; Karen Peck & New River, Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “Revival”; Hezekiah Walker, Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year for “Every Praise”; Erica Campbell, Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “A Little More Jesus”; Andy Mineo, Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year for Never Land; Mandisa, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Overcomer; Kari Jobe, Praise and Worship Album of the Year for Majestic; and Inspirational Film, God’s Not Dead.

Four special-recognition honors also were presented. Hillsong was given the Lifetime Achievement Award; Eddie DeGarmo, the GMA Impact Award; Akintunde, the Grady Nutt Humor Award; and SiriusXM, the Outstanding Mainstream Contribution to Gospel Music Award.

Jonathan McReynolds and Meredith Andrews were co-hosts of the preshow ceremony where more than 30 of the awards were presented, and many top artists performed.

GMA members determine the winners in each category. Kraft CPA is the official accounting firm for the GMA.

Click here for a full list of winners.