Singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin leads the pack of nominees for the 37th annual GMA (Gospel Music Association) Music Awards, also known as the Dove Awards. Tomlin received nods in the Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year categories, as well as songwriter nominations for “Holy Is the Lord” and “How Great Is Our God” in the Worship Song of the Year category and nominations for participation in special-event albums.

The nominations were announced yesterday afternoon at a press conference by Kirk Franklin and Rebecca St. James, who will also host the event April 5, which also marks the close of GMA Week in Nashville.

Following Tomlin in nominations were fellow Passion movement worship artist David Crowder Band, singers Natalie Grant and Joy Williams, and rock band Relient K, with six nominations each. Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, The Crabb Family, Israel Houghton, BarlowGirl and Third Day all received five nominations each.

“Each of these artists reflects the multidimensional impact that gospel music has in our culture, and they deserve the recognition these Dove nominations will bring,” said John Styll, GMA president and executive producer of the GMA Music Awards.

The Dove nominees included not only popular Christian market artists but also mainstream artists Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton and Sawyer Brown, in the Country Recorded Song of the Year category; Alison Krauss and Union Station in the Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year category; and Vince Gill nominated as Producer of the Year. American Idol's Clay Aiken also is featured in the Special Event Album of the Year category for his contribution to Wow Christmas Green.

A full list of nominees can be found online at http://www.gmamusicawards.com/categories/.