This year the artists with the most nominations are Chris Tomlin, Natalie Grant, Casting Crowns and newcomer Francesca Battistell. The current three-time Male Vocalist of the Year, Chris Tomlin, leads the pack with seven total nominations. Natalie Grant and newcomer Francesca Battistelli are next with each receiving five nominations. Casting Crowns checks in with four nods, going for their fifth Group of the Year award.
2009 was the first year that fans get a say in who wins the Dove Awards. Fans will have an opportunity to vote for the winner of Artist of the Year along with New Artist of the Year. Fan voting, which will be conducted through the Gospel Music Channel website and at www.doveawards.com, will open on February 26, the same day online voting opens for GMA members. The fan vote, which will continue through the live Dove Awards broadcast, will account for one-third of the total vote in those two categories.
Male Vocalist of the Year
- WINNER - Brandon Heath
- Jeremy Camp
- Jon Foreman
- Ernie Haase
- David Phelps
- Marvin Sapp
- Chris Tomlin
Female Vocalist of the Year
- WINNER - Natalie Grant
- Francesca Battistelli
- Brooke Fraser
- Karen Peck Gooch
- Mandisa
- Sandi Patty
- Laura Story
Group of the Year
- WINNER - Casting Crowns
- David Crowder Band
- Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
- Mary Mary
- MercyMe
- Skillet
- Third Day
Artist of the Year
- WINNER - Steven Curtis Chapman
- Casting Crowns
- Fireflight
- Marvin Sapp
- Third Day
- tobyMac
- Chris Tomlin
New Artist of the Year
- WINNER - Tenth Avenue North
- Addison Road
- Francesca Battistelli
- Fee
- Jonathan Nelson
- Remedy Drive
- Chris Sligh
Songwriter of the Year
- WINNER - Steven Curtis Chapman
- Natalie Grant
- Brandon Heath
- Jason Ingram
- Tony Wood
Producer of the Year
- WINNER - Bernie Herms
- Brown Bannister
- Ed Cash
- Ian Eskelin
- Wayne Haun
- Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp
