Joseph Habedank and hit songwriter Kenna West each garnered eight nominations, the most among any individuals, to top the list of nominees for the 2015 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. As in years past, the nominees were chosen by the staff of absolutelygospel.com and select media representatives.

Starting Feb. 1, 2015, fans will have an opportunity to vote for their favorites in a dozen categories.

“It is hard to believe that it is time to be announcing another batch of nominees,” says absolutelygospel.com President/CEO Deon Unthank. “Our awards program has become a highlight in the Southern Gospel industry, and we can’t wait to announce all of the plans we have this year.”

Chris D. Unthank, editor-in-chief of absolutelygospel.com says the list of nominees is a stellar one.

“This is another great listing of artists and individuals who best represented our genre in 2014,” Chris Unthank said. “We aren’t just about nominating the most popular and recognizable names in the industry. Our awards are about the best our music had to offer from a musical and artistic standpoint for the previous year. This year’s nominees don’t change that at all.”

The Absolutely Gospel Music Awards opened a new category this year—the Music Video of the Year—due to the large increase of short-form concept videos being produced in the genre over the last couple of years. Music videos belonging to HIGHROADIII, The Freemans, Brian Free & Assurance, Wilburn & Wilburn, and Jason Crabb were the first to be nominated in this category.

Four artists tied for the most nominations this year. Last year's big winners the Isaacs, along with the Bowling Family, Brian Free & Assurance, and 11th  Hour, landed an impressive seven nominations each this year.

Two artists earned the most individual nominations: new soloist Joseph Habedank and hit songwriter Kenna West, both snagging a staggering eight nominations each. Habedank landed mentions in Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year in addition to multiple songwriting mentions as well. West landed her fifth consecutive Songwriter of the Year notice and had double Song of the Year nominations (for co-writing “Finish Well” and “Say Amen”).

 For a complete list of nominees, visit absolutelygospel.com.

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