The Gospel Music Association (GMA) today announced the first talent line-up of leading music artists that will appear and perform at the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards: Lecrae, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Jason Crabb, Jamie-Grace, Kim Burrell, Kari Jobe, Danny Gokey, Ruben Studdard, Mandisa, Jason Castro and The Isaacs will electrify the audience with live inspirational performances.  This announcement marks the first round of musical performers for the awards ceremony, with additional performers to be revealed as the show date approaches. 

The GMA revealed today that the co-hosts for the legendary awards ceremony will be David Mann and Chonda Pierce.  David Mann is best known for creating the famous comic character Leroy S. Brown who stars in Tyler Perry’s popular Meet the Browns television series. Mann’s “Leroy S. Brown” has kept audiences across the nation laughing in the blockbuster Madea movies. 

Daytime EMMY nominated comedian Chonda Pierce is known for her sharp Southern wit starred in her own live national television special This Ain’t Prettyville! on CMT (Country Music Television). Pierce is the author of six books, including her most recent Laughing In the Dark (Simon&Schuster /Howard) and she ranked among Pollstar’s top-selling live performers. Her comedy is regularly featured on XM and Sirius satellite radio.

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on April 19 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.  The award show is produced by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) to offer the most comprehensive platform celebrating Christian and Gospel music.  The awards ceremony will be nationally televised on GMC TV on April 24 at 8:00PM ET.

“The GMA Dove Awards represent Gospel and Christian music’s biggest night of the year and there is no better place for the broadcast of this event than GMC TV, America’s home for the best in uplifting music and entertainment,” said Charles Humbard, President and CEO of GMC.  “We are proud to host this celebration at the Fox Theatre, one of America’s premiere venues here in our home town, Atlanta.”

The public is invited to purchase tickets to see and experience all of the performances and awards ceremony live at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on April 19 atwww.ticketmaster.com.  Last year, the popular event sold-out and was one of the hottest tickets in Atlanta.

For the complete list of nominated artists click here

About GMA:

Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community membership consists of agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376. www.facebook.com/gospelmusicassociation

About the Fox Theatre:

The historic Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premiere venues for live entertainment. The Fox’s 4,678 seat theatre is booked more than 300 performances a year ranging from Broadway to rock to comedy to movies. In December 2009, Billboard Magazine ranked the Fox Theatre in Atlanta as “The #1 non-residency venue worldwide for the decade (5,000 seats or less).” The Fox Theatre is located on Peachtree Street in the middle of the city. Not only is it on the National Historic Register, but it is one of the most beloved landmarks in the city because it is a real memory maker for the citizens of Atlanta. They may have come here to see their first performance or Broadway show; they had their first date here, and maybe even had their first kiss in the balcony. Our ballrooms are spectacular and have hosted everything from Sweet 16s to weddings and corporate events.

About GMC:

GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com) is America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. The Parents Television Council™ has twice awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC is the only television network brand to be so honored.  In 2011, GMC was the second fastest growing ad supported cable network in total day households and A18-49. GMC can be seen in more than 51 million homes on various cable systems around the country, as well as DISH Network on channel 188, DIRECTV on channel 338 and Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter athttp://facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

BEC Recordings’ is thrilled to announce the release of the LP, The Rescue, from freshman artist Adam Cappa. Cappa will release this full-length label debut on March 13th following the release of his EP in 2011. This budding artist can be seen touring with his label-mate, mentor and co-producer Jeremy Camp on the “We Cry Out” tour currently on the road.

“Recording The Rescue was the most amazing experience of my life,” shares Cappa about recording with Jeremy Camp. “Being able to just hang out talking about life and what the Lord was teaching us, and then to translate that all into words and melodies was an unbelievable experience. There was this unity in excitement and joy that surrounded us in knowing that this is God at work through us.”

The Rescue is his label debut, but his third career album. Cappa enlisted producer Andy Dodd as well as the aforementioned Camp, who has been involved in Cappa’s career from the beginning. A vocalist, guitarist, performer, young songwriter and communicator through and through, Adam Cappa is ready to share his heart. It all started when Adam got involved with Young Life after accepting Christ as a sophomore in high school. Fast-forward a few years and two independent records later, Cappa is focused on his passion for ministry.

The media have already climbed on the bandwagon for Adam Cappa with the release of the EP in the fall. In addition, Cappa has been the roving tour correspondent for HearItFirst.com as he did interviews in the fall with the David Crowder Band, Gunger, Switchfoot, Kutless, Jamie Grace, Newsong, and many more.

“Adam is a genuinely great guy, and this is an equally great album. It is a collection of exciting and encouraging pop-rock tracks, and his sincere and authentic voice makes it easy to get behind the message of these songs.” – HearItFirst on the full-length debut

“There’s a tenderness and authenticity that accompanies Adam Cappa’s label debut that prevents the adult contemporary pop sound from becoming too familiar.” – CCM Magazine on the full-length debut

Cappa has been visiting radio stations across the nation the past few months performing his single and title track, which is currently at No. 22 on CHR and charting on the National Audience chart.

Anthony Evans, gospel artist and son of megachurch Pastor Dr. Tony Evans, was pitted against gospel artist Jesse Campbell in the battle round on the television show “The Voice” Monday night. However, Evans was sent home by mentor Christina Aguilera, causing many to speak about the impact that the performance had on them.

Evans and Campbell, both gospel singers, sang the Alicia Key’s song, “If I Ain’t Got You,” in the battle round of the competition that would eliminate one singer. The two men with similar styles both put on a performance that made even the song’s originator proud.

“Amazing performance,” Keys tweeted after the two men performed, hitting high notes and extravagant runs. “That was so fun to watch.”

Despite judges Cee Lo Green, Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine complimenting both performers, only one gospel singer from the female judge’s team was allowed to move past the battle round. Although Aguilera did not choose Evans, the pastor’s son managed to bless many people who witnessed his performance.

“Your son blessed me last night on ‘The Voice,'” one person wrote on the pastor’s Facebook wall.

Another said they were now just as inspired by Anthony as they were by his father, who serves as the chaplain for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

“You have always been an inspiration to me,” another person wrote on the pastor’s Facebook wall. “Now your son is inspiring me as well! God bless the Evans family!”

The younger Evans took to his own social media page to thank fans who watched him during the competition, and joke about his feelings of regret.

“Thanks for all the love you guys…did my best,” Evans tweeted after the competition. “(I) Don’t have any regrets (except for Christina not saying ‘Anthony’) lol.” Aguilera took to her own Twitter page to speak about the hard decision of sending people home.

“Incredible performances in the Battles tonight,” Aguilera tweeted. “I had tough choices, so hard to send great singers home. They are forever team Xtina.”

Today marks the release date for singer/songwriter Sarah Macintosh’s Integrity Music label debut Current, which was produced by her husband, Jonny Macintosh, and J.T. Daly of Nashville’s famed indie rock outfit, Paper Route. Current is available to Christian retail stores within the U.S. through Provident Music Distribution and to mainstream retailers through Sony Music Distribution. It is also available through all major digital service providers including Amazon and iTunes. Click here to purchase at iTunes.

Out of the gate, Macintosh’s Current is receiving stunning reviews and mentions from top media outlets such as Path MEGAzine, CCM Magazine, NewReleaseTuesday, JesusFreakHideout and more. In addition Sarah has performed for the Relevant Magazine Podcast (videos can be viewed here) as well as at HearItFirst.com, and she will be featured next week on the NewReleaseTuesday podcast. Her song “We Should Run” is also available now as a free download at GMCtv. Click here to get this amazing song.

Here is a taste of what the media are saying about Sarah Macintosh’s Current:

“Her honest lyrics portray the every day Christian walk through life with a percussive yet ambient, ethereal sound; making for a worshipful album that renews its energy in every song. The melodramatic near-glam electro beauty of Current sets Macintosh apart from most Christian and Pop artists out there. From the downbeat of the first song, she grabs your attention with an intense and beautiful wall of sound that develops throughout the album. – Worship Leader Magazine (March/April)

“This is a very cool, outside-of-the-box album that features a lot of foreign sounds that really grab and hold your attention. There’s a lot of unique instrumentation and cool chord progressions that make it seem as though the musical fabric of the orient played a part in the writing of these songs….This is such a fresh sounding album, and I can’t recommend it enough. I loved it!” – HearItFirst.com, Ryan Mitchell reviewer

“From the first moments of Sarah Macintosh’s new album Current, you know that you are hearing something that stands apart. The entire album is punctuated by chamber-pop elements and instrumentation. For sure, this is the ultimate “gourmet” release of 2012. Do yourself a favor and buy this album immediately.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com 5 Star Review

“Likely to be one of 2012’s more accomplished pop efforts, its distinctive factors really make the record stand apart in bold fashion and they breathe new life into another great singer’s career.”
– JesusFreakHideout.com 4.5 Star Review

“Macintosh makes fervent, worshipful music, and the best songs here combine shuffling, trip-hop beats, and personal lyrics-or in the case of the title song, carry the listener along in a wave of pure, gleeful abandon. She deserves credit for making electronic-based music sound so warm and inviting.” – Christianity Today

“Sarah Macintosh has a bold and brave sound of her own that blasts through her peers with a sound all her own, deep and beautiful with a music that would make her friends with fans of Coldplay and Adele while displaying a worshipful heart through her lyrics.” – ChristianMusicZine.com

“After listening to Sarah Macintosh’s Integrity Records debut Current, Sarah is one of my new favorite worship leaders. Her musical creativity and willingness to write about the hope we can find in Jesus during any time of our life makes her both an artist that struggling Christians can play during the storms of life, and those experiencing triumph can celebrate to as well. Plus, you can’t go wrong with her amazing vocals!” – Jays Musik Blog

For more information, visit sarahmacintosh.com and be sure to follow her on Twitter.

ABOUT SARAH MACINTOSH:
Known for her work with progressive rock band Chasing Furies, Macintosh now has three solo projects to her credit including the critically acclaimed The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me. In addition to touring and collaborating with artists such David Crowder, Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Vicky Beeching and Jars of Clay, she speaks and leads worship at churches around the country.

Until recently, her family made their home in San Diego, California, where Macintosh led worship for her father-in-law’s church, Horizon Christian Fellowship. Now, this Texas native is now waking up in cities around the country for speaking/singing engagements as her family relocates temporarily, working with churches to impact local communities. Rather than simply making a cameo in the lives of the people they’re ministering to, they are loving getting to know the Body of Christ on a more personal level.

ABOUT INTEGRITY MUSIC:
Kingsway and Integrity Music are the music divisions of David C Cook, a nonprofit global resource provider serving the Church with life-transforming materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kingsway’s and Integrity’s resources are distributed in more than 160 countries and sold worldwide. Additional information can be found at integritymusic.com.

Clear Sight Music released FLAME’s sixth full-length album today, appropriately titled The 6th, via Central South and Infinity Music Distribution. The highly anticipated follow-up to the 2010 release, Captured, shot straight to #1 on iTunes’ Hip-Hop Chart, and debuted at #9 on the Top Albums Chart, sharing the Top 10 with albums from such chart-topping artists as Adele, Big Time Rush and Bruce Springsteen. 

The 6th has debuted to glowing reviews from a wide variety of media outlets, including TheChristianManifesto.com (“The album itself is a benchmark in Christian hip-hop”) and JesusFreakHideout.com (“FLAME has returned with a spiritually relevant message and a solid sound behind it”). 

“He’s been nominated for a Grammy, two Doves, and two Stellars, but somehow FLAME is still one of rap’s best-kept secrets,” wrote Andy Argyrakis for Christianity Today. “That’s all about to change on this sixth album, which benefits from his rapid rhymes, stellar production, and a slew of guest collaborators (including DecembeRadio, LeCrae, Thi’sl, Young Noah, and V.Rose).” 

“Wow,” said FLAME, reacting to the album’s strong start. “Being #1 on iTunes is evidence of God’s grace. I’m praying that it translates into lives impacted.” 

For more information on FLAME, please visit www.clearsightmusic.com.

BET (Black Entertainment Television) welcomed first lady Michelle Obama to the network’s popular program, “Lift Every Voice,” hosted by Cory “CoCo Brother” Condrey.

The hit show normally features inspirational sermons and gospel music but Sunday BET programming turned the show into a half-hour special, catching up with the first lady while she was on tour promoting the second anniversary of her “Let’s Move” health campaign.

“For so many of us, food is more than just nourishment to our bodies, it’s how we knit our families and our communities together,” Obama said as she addressed an audience on her nationwide tour.

And, particularly true in the African-American community, faith and food go together; Sunday worship is often followed by feasting.

“How many of us find ourselves looking forward to that fried chicken, mac and cheese, pound cake after church on Sunday,” said Obama. “Some people come to church just for the fried chicken,” she added in jest.

Getting national coverage CNN reports that Obama did not make light of the serious nature of obesity and lifestyle-induced disease that has reached epidemic proportions according to many studies.

And, she acknowledged the politically charged criticism her initiative first received, turning it into a partisan issue early on.

“I think we’ve seen a really whole-scale change in the discussion,” said Obama to host Cory Condrey, “When we first launched ‘Let’s Move’ a year ago, there was some debate in certain areas whether childhood obesity was a problem at all.”

Two years since Obama set out to make health and nutrition her platform, she is touting what she sees as its greatest successes.

“We’ve seen the conversation change; we’ve really seen over these two years the nation coming together big and small to really tackle this problem,” said Obama. She added that unexpected partnerships have arisen reaching a large swath of the American population: “…Wal-Mart stepping up and making changes to the formulation of their products, Darden –which is the largest restaurant chain in the world – is changing their kids’ menus, making fruits and vegetables the first option.”

It isn’t uncommon for first ladies to profess their faith, acknowledging a religious connection between the president, the White House and the American people.

“There is an unspoken energy that comes from the millions of people who are lifting us up in prayer,” Obama said.

When asked what words of inspiration she had on a Sunday morning, Obama said, “One thing that I have learned, that in order to be the best wife and mother I can be, I have to be at my peak of health – mental and physical – and that investment is worth it.”

Further reinforcing the connection between healthy habits and setting good examples, she said, “We can’t fool ourselves into thinking we can be good servants of God, good parents if we’re not whole inside.”

Just in time for Mother’s Day, multi-platinum selling trio, Point of Grace (Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino, Denise Jones) will release their twelfth studio album, A Thousand Little Things on May 1, 2012. “A Thousand Little Things” is the title track and first single off the new album. The album comes right off the heels of Point of Grace’s recently announced lifestyle and music radio show, “Graceful Living.” “Graceful Living” focuses on living well through faith, family, friends and more and will be featured through syndicated radio, blogs and online content.

Produced by multi-award winning producer Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets), the album encompasses the beautiful harmonies, encouraging words and graceful melodies that has made Point of Grace one of the top 10 best-selling artists in the history of Contemporary Christian Music. The notion of gratitude is woven throughout the album, especially in “A Thousand Little Things,” which lists the many things to take notice of – and be thankful for – in everyday life. “In all of those little moments in life, little and big, we’re reminded that there is a Creator that loves us and wants us to have a good life while we’re here,” Shelley says. “And we’re grateful for that.” Leigh chimes in, “Every single day, there are A Thousand Little Things we can truly be thankful for, so I sing that little song all the time.”

The 10 track album shares the familiar message of love that has defined Point of Grace as one of the most influential artists of all time. Several tracks on the record have a more reflective feel, mirroring what each woman was experiencing in her personal life and in her relationships with family and friends. “For me, ‘What I Already Know’ just ate me alive,” Leigh admits. “In the studio, I couldn’t even sing the doggone thing – it took me back and really sunk deep into my being.” Denise adds, “‘What I Already Know’ is a prayer: ‘Lord, I know you’re guiding me, and I trust you.’ ‘I Believe In You’ was dedicated to our kids, and wanting to say to them, ‘I believe that you’re going to make good choices.’ And ‘Only Jesus’ hit at a time when my friend’s mom died, and nothing else can take away that pain except for trusting that Jesus is going to rise in that occasion for you.”

TRACK LISTING FOR A THOUSAND LITTLE THINGS:
1. Good Enough
2. Heaven Knows
3. A Thousand Little Things
4. Only Jesus
5. What I Already Know
6. Might Be Today
7. Wash Me Away
8. You Be The One
9. I Believe In You (Dedication Song)
10. Saving Jesus

Since forming at Ouachita Baptist University 20 years ago, the GRAMMY® nominated group has sold more than 7 million albums and earned 24 consecutive No. 1 singles (27 total including radio staples “Steady On”, “The Great Divide” and “Circle of Friends”), a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre. They’ve won 13 Dove Awards, including 2011 awards for Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Christmas Album of the Year for Home For The Holidays.

For more information about Point Of Grace, visit www.pointofgrace.net.