The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced Wednesday the nominees in 41 categories for the 46th annual GMA Dove Awards. Lecrae leads all nominations with seven, followed by for KING & COUNTRY with five. Crowder, Matt Maher and Chris Tomlin tally four nods each.

The award show theme this year is “Better Together,” emphasizing strength in unity. The awards show will take place Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. CT, hosted at Allen Arena on Nashville’s Lipscomb University campus. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the awards show Sunday, Oct. 18. CCM Magazine will livestream the red carpet, pre-telecast and other non-broadcast activities.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo and artists Audio Adrenaline, Jason Crabb, Colton Dixon, Joseph Habedank, Casey J and RED were among the artists and dignitaries participating in the nominee announcements.

“This is always an exciting day for us at the GMA," Patillo said. "We are honored to recognize the many talents of our industry and the contributions they have made. This year gospel and Christian music’s biggest night is going to be off the charts with unforgettable performances and special pairings."

Additionally, Patillo expanded on this year’s “Better Together” initiative.

“Since 1969, the GMA Dove Awards has honored the outstanding achievement and excellence of our music community,” she said. “We hope to bring much more light to our mission with this year’s ‘Better Together’ theme as we focus on unity, diversity and creativity and come together during this exciting time in our industry.”

TBN Vice President Matthew Crouch said the network is pleased to serve as the exclusive broadcast partner for the GMA Dove Awards.

“The Dove Awards represent the gold standard for gospel and Christian singers, songwriters and music professionals,” Crouch said. “And TBN is privileged once again to share this special evening of honors, excitement and life-changing music with our viewers around the world.”

The nominees in 12 categories were revealed Wednesday during the press conference. In the most anticipated categories, the nominees are as follows:

Artist of the Year: for KING & COUNTRY, Francesca Battistelli, Kari Jobe, Lecrae and MercyMe

New Artist of the Year: About A Mile, Danny Gokey, I Am They, Lauren Daigle and NF

Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year: Chris Tomlin, for KING & COUNTRY, Hillsong UNITED, Lecrae, and MercyMe

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year: Booth Brothers, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Gaither Vocal Band, Collingsworth Family and The Isaacs

Gospel Artist of the Year: Erica Campbell, Fred Hammond, Israel & New Breed, Jonathan McReynolds, Tamela Mann and Tasha Cobbs

Dove Award nominees are determined by over 1,500 professional members. The entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500 will vote for the winners. Tickets are now on sale at the Allen Arena box office in Nashville and at doveawards.com.

The full list of nominees can be found here. The Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year categories will be made in a special announcement in the coming weeks.

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