GRAMMY-nominated R&B artist Montell Jordan, known for his iconic hit “This is How We Do It” joined Daytime EMMY-nominated comedian Chonda Pierce and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler AJ Styles, to announce the nominees for the 43rd Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards in Atlanta. Nineteen-year-old GRAMMY nominee Jamie-Grace, a role model for those struggling with Tourettes Syndrome, performed at the event.

“I have shoes older than she is,” said Pierce, “and that kinda ticks me off.”

During the introductions, Pierce fittingly “nominated” GMA New Artist of the Year nominee Grace for two brand-new catgories: “Cutie Pie of the Year” and “Boots of the Year,” noticing the young artist’s hot pink cowboy boots.

AJ Styles was back a second time for this year’s event. (Styles presented an award at the 41st Annual Dove Awards.) “I’m so excited, I’m trying not to lose it!” said Styles of meeting Montell Jordan. “I’ve always been such a huge fan.”

Styles was equally impressed by Jamie-Grace’s performance. “I’ll definitely be downloading her songs from iTunes,” said the wrestler, who’s been known to lead prayer in the ring before a match.

“If that doesn’t get you to pray, nothin’ will,” said Pierce.

Produced by the Gospel Music Association (GMA), the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on April 19 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.

“This is an event that has a history of bringing together people who are not only giving us a new favorite song to sing, but who are anointed with a heavenly message,” said GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo.

A full list of nominees is as follows: 

Song of the Year
Alive; Natalie Grant; Bernie Herms and Nichole Nordeman; Wow Partners; Wow Partners
Blessings; Laura Story; Laura Story; New Spring Publishing (ASCAP), Laura Stories (ASCAP); Fair Trade
Celebrate Me Home; Perrys; Joel Lindsey & Wayne Haun; PsalmSinger Music; Daywind Records
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me); Casting Crowns; Michael Bleecker, Mark Hall; Word Music/SWECS; Beach Street
Hold Me; Jamie Grace; Jamie Grace Harper Toby McKeehan Christopher Steve; Universal Music-BrentwoodBenson Tunes, Songs of Th; Gotee Records
I Smile; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, James Harris, Terry Lewis, Frederic; Bridge Building Music (BMI), Aunt Gertrude Music P; Gospocentric
I’ve Been Here Before; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; PsalmSinger Music; StowTown Records
Please Forgive Me; Gaither Vocal Band; Gerald Crabb; Chestnut Mound Music; Gaither Music Group
Who Am I; Jason Crabb; Rusty Goodman; Playin’ TAG Music; Gaither Music Group
Your Great Name; Natalie Grant; Krissy Nordhoff, Michael Neale; Tow Nords Music (ASCAP), Integrity’s Praise Music (BMI); Curb Records

Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris August
Chris Tomlin
Jason Crabb
Kirk Franklin
Steven Curtis Chapman

Female Vocalist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Kari Jobe
Laura Story
Mandisa
Natalie Grant

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
David Crowder*Band
Gaither Vocal Band
NEEDTOBREATHE
The Isaacs
Casting Crowns

Artist of the Year
Jason Crabb
Laura Story
LeCrae
The Isaacs

New Artist of the Year
Beyond The Ashes
Dara Maclean
Jamie-Grace
Royal Tailor
The City Harmonic

Producer of the Year
Bernie Herms, Brown Bannister
Ed Cash
Ian Eskelin
Michael Sykes
Wayne Haun

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
Hallelujah; ; LeCrae; ; ; Reach
INTOXICATED; GENESIS SNAPSHOTS; JAYESS; ; ; ZOE RECORDS
Please Don’t Let Me Go; Outta Space Love; Group 1 Crew; Manwell Reyes, Pablo Villatoro, Andy Anderson, David Garcia; ; Fervent
Riot; Backlight; Tedashi; ; ; Reach Records
The Overdose; Rehab Deluxe; LeCrae; ; ; Reach Records

Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
Dark Horses; Vice Verses; Switchfoot; Jonathan Foreman, Tim Foreman; ; Credential Recordings/lowercasepeople/Atlantic
Faceless; Until We Have Faces; Red; Anthony Armstrong, Rob Graves, Jasen Rauch, Mark Holman; ; Essential Records
Invisible; Horseshoes and Handgrenades; Disciple; Kevin Young, Ben Glover, Rob Hawkins; ; Fair Trade Services, LLC
One Day Too Late; Awake; Skillet; John L. Cooper, Brian Howes; ; Ardent
Your Love Is A Mystery; Crazy Love; Hawk Nelson; Jason Dunn & Daniel Biro; ; BEC Recordings
Born Again; Born Again (Miracle Edition); Newsboys; Seth Mosely, Juan Otero,michael Tate, Wes Campbell; ; InPop
Crazy Love; Crazy Love; Hawk Nelson; Jason Dunn, Daniel Biro, Ian Eskelin, & Tony Wood; ; BEC Recordings
Drifting; TBA; Plumb with Dan Haseltine; Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, Matt Bronleewe, Dan Haseltine; ; Curb Records
Lucy; Awake; Skillet; John L. Cooper; ; Atlantic/Ardent/Fair Trade
Slumber; The Reckoning; NEEDTOBREATHE; Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart; ; Atlantic Records

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
Alive (MARY MAGDALENE); Music Inspired By THE STORY; Natalie Grant; Nichole Nordeman, Bernie Herms; ; WOW Joint Venture
Blessings; Blessings; Laura Story; Laura Story; ; Fair Trade Services, LLC
Hold Me; One Song at a Time; Jamie Grace; Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan, Chris Stevens; ; Gotee Records
Someone Worth Dying For; A Beautiful Life; MIKESCHAIR; Benjamin Glover, Michael Alan Grayson, Samuel Anton Tinnesz; ; Curb Records
Your Great Name; Love Revolution; Natalie Grant; Michael Neale, Krissy Nordhoff; ; Curb Records

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
All Things New; On Our Way Home; Nicol Sponberg; Carl Cartee, Jeromy Deibler, Ronnie Freeman, Jason Ingram; ; Curb Records
Hope Of The Broken World; Hope Of The Broken World; Selah; Carl Cartee, Jennie Riddle; ; Curb
I Surrender; New Day; The Martins; Chris Eaton, Joyce Sanders; ; Gaither Music Group
I’ll Take What’s Left; Dreamin’ Wide Awake; Doug Anderson; Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; ; StowTown
Love Is a Cross; Faroe Islands; Russ Taff; Jesse Butterworth, Joy Williams, Regie Hamm; ; Spring Hill Music

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
Celebrate Me Home; Blue Skies Coming; Perrys; Joel Lindsey & Wayne Haun; ; Daywind
If There Ever Was A Time; Together Again; The Crabb Family; Caleb Collins, Sue Smith; Jason Crabb; Gaither
I’ve Been Here Before; Here We Are Again; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun, Ernie Haase; ; StowTown
Please Forgive Me; Greatly Blessed; Gaither Vocal Band; Gerald Crabb; ; Gaither Music Group
Victory In Jesus; A Life Time of Music; John Hagee; ; ; Difference Media

Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year
Indescribable; Indescribable: Bluegrass Meets Worship; Chigger Hill Boys & Terri; Jesse Reeves & Laura Story; ; Daywind
Let It Go; A Mother’s Prayer; Ralph Stanley; Sara Evans, Billy Smith, Terry Smith; ; Rebel Records
Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing; Naturally; The Isaacs; Dottie Rambo; ; Gaither Music Group
Precious Memories; Drive Time; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; ; ; Crossroads Records
The Water is Calling; Already Home; Marcy Each; Marcy Each, Lyn Rowel; ; Vine

Country Recorded Song of the Year
Dreamin’ Wide Awake; Dreamin’ Wide Awake; Doug Anderson; Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; ; StowTown
Good Things Are Happening; Reach Out; Karen Peck & New River; Wayne Haun & Sonya Isaacs; ; Daywind
I Get To; Expecting Good Things; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Wil Nance, Sherrie Austin, Steve Williams; ; Spring Hill Music Group, She Loved Music
Pray About Everything; Breathe Deep; Guy Penrod; Bob Regan, Jeff Stevens; ; Gaither Music Group, Servant Records
Why Me; The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb (feat. William Lee Golden and Bill Gaither); Kris Kristofferson; ; Gaither Music Group

Urban Recorded Song of the Year
All I Need feat. Chris Lee; Captured; FLAME; Marcus Gray, Chris Lee Cobbins, Abraham Olaleye; ; Clear Sight Music
Make It Loud; Make It Loud; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi, Danielle Munizzi, Khristian Dentley, Pablo Villatoro; ; Martha Munizzi Music
SOVEREIGN KING; FROM THE HEART; DEBORAH; ; ; ZOE RECORDS
Sweeter; The Love Album; Kim Burrell; ; ;
Windows; ; Canton Jones; ; ; CAJO International

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
God Is Great; Keep Living; Ricky Dillard & New G; John Lakin; ; Light Records
Here Comes Jesus; Faroe Islands; Russ Taff; Chuck Cannon, Russ Taff; ; Spring Hill Music
Hold On; Change The Atmosphere; Christ Tabernacle Choir; Wayne Haun, Steve Carey, Matthew Garinger; ; Vine
I Saw the Light; The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb; Hank Williams; ; Gaither Music Group
Let the Church Say Amen; The Journey; Andrae Crouch; Andrae Crouch; ; Riverphlo Entertainment

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
He Has His Hands On You; Here I Am; Marvin Sapp; Marvin Sapp, Stan Jones; ; Verity
I Smile; Hello Fear; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, James Harris, Terry Lewis, Frederick Tackett; ; Verity
I’d Rather Have Jesus; The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb; George Beverly Shea, Rhea F. Miller; ; Gaither Music Group
The Promise; The Journey; Andrae Crouch; Andrae Crouch, Luther Mano Hanes; ; Riverphlo Entertainment
What I Have I Give; Treasures Unseen; Beyond The Ashes; Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, Depp Britt; ; Vine

Worship Song of the Year
Beautiful Things; Beautiful Things; Gungor; Michael Gungor, Lisa Gungor; ; EMI CMG Publishing
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me); Mark Hall, Michael Bleecker; Mark Hall,Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/My Refuge Music (BMI) Michael Bleecker,Word Music (ASCAP); Come To The Well; Casting Crowns; Provident Label Group
Hosanna; ; Brooke Fraser; ; ; Hillsong Publishing
I Give Myself Away; William McDowell, Sam Hinn; Delivery Room Publishing; As We Worship Live; William McDowell; Light Records/Entertainment One
When the Stars Burn Down; Jonathan Lee and Jennie Riddle; UNIVERSAL MUSIC- BRENTWOOD BENSON TUNES (SESAC)/ JLEE PUBLSIHING (SESAC). ADMIN BY UNIVERSAL MUSIC/ INTEGRITY PRAISE! MUSIC; When the Stars Burn Down; Travis Cottrell; Inciite Media
Your Great Name; Michael Neale, Krissy Nordhoff; Integrity’s Praise Music; Love Revolution; Natalie Grant; Integrity Music

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Backlight; Tedashi; ; Reach Records
Captured; FLAME; Lamontt Blackshire, Courtney Peebles, Stephen Towns, Abraham Olaleye, Derek Johnson, Alex Hitchens, Brandon Shockley, Dion, Burroughs, Alex Medina; Clear Sight Music
Culture Shock; Jai; ;
Rehab: The Overdose; LeCrae; ; Reach Records
The Whole Truth; D.A. Truth; ; Universal

Rock Album of the Year
Control; Abandon; Christpher Stevens, Paul Moak, Josh Silverberg; EMI CMG
Until We Have Faces; Red; Rob Graves; Essential Records
Vice Verses; Switchfoot; Neal Avron; EMI CMG
What I’ve Become; Ashes Remain; ; Fair Trade
With Shivering Hearts We Wait; Blindside; Mike Plotnikoff and Igor Khoroshev for Howard Benson Productions, LLC; Fair Trade Services, LLC

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
Ad Astra Per Aspera; Abandon Kansas; Mark Lee Townsend; Gotee Records
Come Home; Luminate; Ed Cash, Paul Moak, Ben Glover; EMI CMG
Crazy Love; Hawk Nelson; ian Eskelin; BEC Recordings
Mountains Move; Kristian Stanfill; Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp; EMI CMG
The Reckoning; NEEDTOBREATHE; ; Atlantic Records

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
A Beautiful Life; MIKESCHAIR; Matt Brownlewee; Curb Records
Blessings; Laura Story; Nathan Nockels; Fair Trade Services, LLC
Hundred More Years; Francesca Battistelli; ; Fervent
One Song at a Time; Jamie Grace; Chris Stevens, David Garcia, Arch Nemesiz; Gotee Records
What If We Were Real; Mandisa; Christopher Stevens, David Garcia, Dan Muckala; EMI CMG

Inspirational Album of the Year
A Man Like Me; Wes Hampton; Gordon Mote, Michael English, Nathan Zwald, Wes Hampton; Gaither Music Group
Captivated; Nicole C. Mullen; Ed Cash; Maranatha! Music
Faroe Islands; Russ Taff; Jakup Zachariassen; Spring Hill Music
God is Able; HILLSONG; Joel Houston, Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding; Hillsong Music Australia
Hope Of The Broken World; Selah; Jason Kyle, Todd Smith, Allan Hall; Curb Records

Southern Gospel Album of the Year
A LIFETIME OF MUSIC; JOHN HAGEE; MICHAEL SYKES, DAVID HUNTSINGER; DIFFERENCE MEDIA
Miracles & Memories; Bowling Family; Mike & Kelly Bowling, Terah Penhollow and Kathy Crabb Hannah; Big Ten House of Music
Part of the Family; Collingsworth Family; Wayne Haun; StowTown
Reach Out; Karen Peck & New River; Wayne Haun; Daywind
The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb; Bill Gaither; Gaither Music Group

Bluegrass Album of the Year
A Mother’s Prayer; Ralph Stanley; Ralph Stanley II; Rebel Records
Family Chain; John Bowman; John Bowman, Ben Issacs, Jimmy Edmonds; Pisgah Ridge
Grassroots Rambos; Rambo McGuire; Dony McGuire; Rambo McGuire Records
Indescribable: Bluegrass Meets Worship; Chigger Hill Boys & Terri; Mark Dunham; Daywind
Satisfied; Paul Williams & The Victory Trio; Paul Williams; Rebel Records

Country Album of the Year
Brighter One; Marshall Hall; Marshall Hall, Jay DeMarcus, Michael English; Daywind
Dreamin’ Wide Awake; Doug Anderson; Wayne Haun; StowTown
Family Ties; Wilburn & Wilburn; Ben Isaacs; Daywind
Going Places; Crabb Revival; Michael Sykes; Daywind
New Day; The Martins; Jay DeMarcus; Gaither Music Group

Urban Album of the Year
Angel & Chanelle; Trin-i-tee 5:7; PJ Morton, Rockwilder, Fred Jerkins, Surefire Music Group, Andrew Scott, Tito Ali, Stan Jones, David Mullen; Music World Gospel
Church on the Moon; Deitrick Haddon; Deitrick Haddon; Verity Gospel Music Group
From Now On; Dawkins & Dawkins; Executive Producers: James Robinson Co-Executive Producer: Dawkins & Dawkins; Light Records
Something Big; Mary Mary; ; Sony
The Next Dimension; GI; Lamonte Harris, Curtis Langley, Marlon Anderson, Levi King, Tavis Simmons , Michael Clemmons, Derek Clark, Teraike Crawford, Joeworn Martin); BGA Music Group
How I Got Over; Smokie Norful; Jason Lyson; EMI Gospel

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
If you didn’t know Now you Know; Norman Hutchins; Michael Bereal; co-producer Vicki Lataillade; Sueekey Entertainment/IR Music Group
Promises; Richard Smallwood; Steven Ford; Verity Gospel Music Group
The Legacy Project; John P. Kee; ; Verity
XV Live; Chicago Mass Choir; Percy Gray, Jr.; Jeral Gray, Sr.; New Haven Records

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
Becoming; Yolanda Adams; ; N House Music
Change The Atmosphere; Christ Tabernacle Choir; Wayne Haun, Kevin Ward, Steve Carey; Vine
Committed; Committed; ; Epic
Hello Fear; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, Shaun Martin; Verity Gospel Music Group
Make It Loud; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi Muisic

Inspirational Album of the Year
A Moments Peace, Vol. 3; Great Worship Songs Players; Christopher Phillips, Luke Gambill; Great Worship Songs
Feedback; Derek Webb; Derek Webb; Fair Trade Services, LLC
Inspirational Moods: Inspiring Hymns featuring Piano and Orchestra; Michael Omartian; Michael Omartian; Green Hill Productions
Jesus Calling: Instrumental Songs For Devotion; Various Artists; Steve Ivey; EMI CMG
Unfailing Love: 20 Worship Songs of Comfort and Peace; Stan Whitmire; Stan Whitmire; Green Hill Productions

Childrens Music Album of the Year
From The Inside out For Kids; Kids Choir; Matt Huesmann & Steve Ivey; EMI CMG
Great Worship Songs For Kids, Vol. 5; Great Worship Songs Kids Praise Band; Dale Mathews, Luke Gambill, Johnathan Crumpton, Stacey Willbur, Daniel Deffenbaugh, John Andrade; Great Worship Songs
Groovy; Denver and the Mile High Orchestra; Jamie Statema, Denver Bierman and Darren Rust; Go Fish Kids Records
Hosanna! Today’s Top Worship Songs for Kids; VeggieTales feat. Mark Hall from Casting Crowns and Amy Grant; Scott Williamson; Big Idea Entertainment
I Am A Promise; Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, Ben Isaacs; Gaither Music Group

Spanish Language Album of the Year
25 Concierto Conmemorativo; Marcos Witt; Marcos Witt, Sergio González & Roberto Prado; CanZion
De Vuelta Al Jardin; Christine D’Clario; Integrity Music
Dile Al Corazon Que Camine; Jacobo Ramos; Integrity Music
Más fuerte que nunca; Coalo Zamorano; Coalo Zamorano, Chris Rocha & Mike X Zúñinga; CanZion
Somos uno; Generación 12; Lorena Castellanos & Iván Contreras; CanZion
Top 25 Cantos de Alabanza 2012; Various; Phil Sillas; Maranatha! Music

Special Event Album of the Year
Ashes To Fire: Songs of Remembrance and Celebration of the Passion; Consuming Worship; Dave Clark; Maranatha! Music
Medicine: Live At The Black Academy; Ruben Studdard and Various Artists; Sam “Shake” Anderson and Curtis King; MCG Records
Passion: Here For You; Passion; Nathan Nockels; EMI CMG
The Journey; Andrae Crouch; Luther “Mano” Hanes; Riverphlo Entertainment
The Story; Matthew West, Leigh Nash from Sixpence None the Richer, Mark Hall & Megan Garret from Casting Crowns, Brandon Heath, Bart Millard from Mercy Me, Michael Tait From Newsboys, Blanca Callahan from Group 1 Crew, Lecrae, Chris Tomlin, Peter Furler, Mandisa, Tod; Bernie Herms, Brown Bannister; EMI Provident, Word

Christmas Album of the Year
A Skaggs Family Christmas Volume 2; Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Molly Skaggs, Luke Skaggs, and Rachel Leftwich; Ricky Skaggs; Skaggs Family Records
Christmas Hope; Benjamin Utecht; David Grow, Brian Siewart, David Hamilton; Green Hill Productions
Christmas in Diverse City; TobyMac; Toby McKeehan, Christopher Stevens, Mike Woods, David Garcia, Victor Oquendo, SUPERHEROSE, Tre Corley, Arch Nemeciz, Tim Rosenau, Matthew Edwards, DOA Allen for the DESIGNATED HITTERS, Todde (toddiefunk) Lawton, Byron Mr. Talkbox” Chambers; EMI CMG”
Irish Country Christmas; Craig Duncan; Craig Duncan; Green Hill Productions
Oh For Joy; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band; EMI CMG

Praise & Worship Album of the Year
10,000 Reasons; Matt Redman; Nathan Nockels; EMI CMG
Aftermath; Hillsong UNITED; Michael Guy Chislett, Joel Houston, James Rudder, Christopher Stevens; EMI CMG
And If Our God is For Us..; Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash, Dan Muckala; EMI CMG
Ghosts Upon The Earth; Gungor; Michael Gungor; Brash Music
Make It Loud; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi Music

Musical of the Year
Come and Adore Him; Dave Clark, Steve W. Mauldin; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
Down From His Glory; Mike Speck; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
Gone; Geron Davis; ; ; ; SpiritSound Music Group
Love Won; Kenna Turner West; ; ; ; Daywind
Mary, Did You Know? A Ready to Sing Christmas; Russell Mauldin, Sue C. Smith and Johnathan Crumpton; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

Youth/Childrens Musical of the Year
Extreme, Songs for Modern Youth Choir; Cliff Duren and Johnathan Crumpton; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
God of This City; Susie Williams, David Ebensberger & Luke Gambill; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Help! My Kids Have to Sing at Christmas!; Cherry Garasi; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
The Amazing Grace Race; ; ; ; Celeste Clydesdale, David T. Clydesdale; Word Music
The Great Christmas Giveaway; ; ; ; Celeste Clydesdale, David T. Clydesdale; Word Music

Choral Collection of the Year
A Brooklyn Tabernacle Christmas; ; ; ; Carol Cymbala, Jason Webb; Word Music
Everlasting Praise 3; Mike Speck, Stan Whitmire; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
O What A Savior; Dave Clark, Steve W. Mauldin; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
Ready to Sing the Songs of Bill and Gloria Gaither; Russell Mauldin and Johnathan Crumpton; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
When the Stars Burn Down; Travis Cottrell; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

Recorded Music Packaging
A Way To See In The Dark/Sp Ed.; Jason Gray; Joanna Dee; Joanna Dee; Centricity
Burlap To Cashmere; Burlap To Cashmere; Theodore Pagano; Sean Mosher Smith; Chris Phelps; Essential Records, Jive Records
Christmas In Diverse City; TobyMac; Jan Cook; Eddy Boer for Boerhaus; Lee Stephen, Ryan Lampa, Nick West
Leveller – Deluxe Box; August Burns Red; Ryan Clark; Jordan Crane; Cory Morton; Solid State Records
This Is What We Believe/Deluxe; Aaron Shust; Joanna Dee; Joanna Dee; Centricity

Short Form Music Video of the Year
7&70; Chris August; Evan Kaufmann, Randy Peterson; Detail Film; Fervent
A Thousand Generations; Sean Spicer with Tilly Cryar; Dustin Marcellino; Yochanan Marcellino; City of Peace Films; City of Peace Media
As For Me And My House; John Waller; Dustin Marcellino; Yochanan Marcellino; City of Peace Films; City of Peac Media
Crazy Love; Hawk Nelson; John Reuben; BEC Recordings
Feed The Machine; Red; Erwin Brothers; Dan Atchison; Alabama Production Group; Essential Records
I Lift My Hands; Chris Tomlin; Nathan Corrona; Nathan Corrona; Dustbrand Films; EMI CMG
Miracles; Newsboys; TK McKamy; TK McKamy; Revolution Pictures; inpop Records
You Are More; Tenth Avenue North; Wes Edwards; Drew Langer; Ruckus Films; Reunion Records

Long Form Video of the Year
A Skaggs Family Christmas LIVE; Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Molly Skaggs, Luke Skaggs, and Rachel Leftwich; Matt Coale; Ricky Skaggs,Billy Paul Jones, and Charlotte Scott; RS Entertainment Inc.; Skaggs Family Records
Fear Not Tomorrow; The Collingsworth Family; Curt Casassa; Jim Hammond; P&KC Music; P&KC Music
Tent Revival Homecoming; Bill & Gloria Gaither and Homecoming Friends; Doug Stuckey; Bill Gaither, Barry Jennings, Bill Carter; Gaither Television Productions; Gaither Music Group
The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb; Doug Stuckey; Bill Gaither; Gaither Television Productions; Gaither Music Group
Yahweh; Hillsong Chapel; Luke Irvine; Executive Producer: Joel Houston; Producers: Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding; ; EMI CMG

Songs 4 Worship™, the multi-platinum series created by Integrity Music and Time Life Music, has become one of Christian music’s most trusted brands, selling over 20 million CDs and consistently delivering the most popular worship songs by leading artists and worship leaders. On March 13th, Integrity and Time Life release the 40th installment in this landmark series, Songs 4 Worship™ Revelation Songs, featuring Jesus Culture, Paul Baloche, John Mark McMillan, Tim Hughes, The City Harmonic, Lincoln Brewster and more.

The 17-track collection represents songs that are sung in churches across the U.S. and around the globe including “Revelation Song,” “Your Love Never Fails,” “How He Loves,” “How Great Is Our God” and “Manifesto.” Many of these songs are featured on Youtube via live music videos and fan-made tributes, which when added together, total over 55,000,000 views. 

“These songs represent the prayers being sung by millions every week in churches around the world,” says worship leader and Dove Award-winning songwriter Paul Baloche. “Revelation Songs is a benchmark in the history of the church, chronicling the worship anthems of this generation of believers bringing glory to God.”

C. Ryan Dunham, president of Kingsway and Integrity Music adds: “More than just a great collection, Revelation Songs is an experience that is both spiritual and extremely personal to all who believe. It’s one of those rarecollections that will stay in my own playlist.”

The complete track list for Songs 4 Worship™ Revelation Songs, including the performing artists, is:
1. Your Love Never Fails (Jesus Culture) 
2. Your Grace Is Enough (Jared Anderson)
3. Revelation Song (Gateway Church featuring Kari Jobe)
4. How He Loves (John Mark McMillan)
5. Everlasting God (Lincoln Brewster) 
6. How Great Is Our God (Dave Lubben) 
7. Your Name (Paul Baloche)
8. Great I Am (New Life Worship) 
9. Today is the Day (Lincoln Brewster) 
10. Blessed Be Your Name (Robin Mark)
11. Beautiful One (Tim Hughes) 
12. Manifesto (The City Harmonic) 
13. Hosanna – Paul Baloche 
14. O The Blood (Gateway Church) 
15. In Christ Alone/The Solid Rock (Travis Cottrell)
16. Your Great Name (The People’s Church)
17. Happy Day (Tim Hughes)

Beginning March 13th, Songs 4 Worship™ Revelation Songs will be featured in Christian and mainstream stores including major chains such as Lifeway, Berean and Family Christian stores and Walmart, Target and Best Buy.

Originally launched by Integrity Music and Time Life Music in 2001, the Songs 4 Worship™ series has featured 40 CD and DVD titles representing a variety of genres including Gospel, country, hymns, children’s and Spanish titles. The series has also been an international hit, selling millions of units in the UK/Europe and earning multi Platinum,Platinum and Gold RIAA certification in the U.S. and Gold certification in Australia, Canada and the UK. It is one of the best-selling music series in Christian music and has remained Time Life’s biggest music series launch to date.

Sean “Diddy” Combs, music and entertainment mogul, announced on Tuesday that he will launch a new cable network called Revolt.

The announcement came after Combs hinted at the launch on his Twitter page all morning.

“Big announcement coming at 10 a.m. EST! Stay Tuned,” the music mogul tweeted to more than four million followers.

The announcement came in the form of a video posted to Combs’ official YouTube channel, PTWITTYTV.

“The revolution will be televised. Today is a very, very big day,” Combs said. “I’m here to announce my new cable network, Revolt.”

Combs is working with Comcast, the nation’s largest cable television provider, who will carry Revolt on some of its local cable systems, The New York Times reported. According to the report, Comcast has been actively working to increase minority channels within its network recently.
 
Combs thanked the network for their efforts to increase the number of minority owners.

“I’d first like to say thank you to Comcast, Comcast Diversity Council and NBC for recognizing the importance of minority ownership in cable television,” Combs said in the Revolt announcement. “When I was growing up I used to watch television all the time and I would wonder why don’t those people look like me, or talk like me or walk like me? Thank you to Comcast; my hat goes off to you for being the first to step up.”

In his introductory video, Combs said the network would be dedicated to artists.

“I’m going to give the artists this channel. It’s your channel, your opportunity to show your art the way you want to show your art,” he said. “Uncut, raw, uncensored, … a channel that will give new artists an opportunity to be seen and heard, new visual directors to be seen and felt, producers of all colors, shapes and sizes. This network will represent you and the soul of music that has been missing for a long time.”

Although Combs expressed excitement for the possibilities that the new Revolt network would create, he admitted that it would be hard work.

“I take a lot of pride having experience, credibility, authenticity and relationships to make Revolt T.V. the number one name in home music on television,” Combs said. “I’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s going to be a marathon not a sprint, but I will not stop until we’re on top.”

Combs, who also executive produced the documentary “Undefeated” that recently earned an Oscar nomination, said he is thankful to God for the opportunities.
“Nominated for an Oscar AND announced my cable channel all in one week,” Combs tweeted. “God really IS the GREATEST! If you believe — you can do anything!”

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent – a tremendous opportunity for a holy period of self-reflection, growth and prayer.

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count).

Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers.

Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday or Lent. They are mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman Catholics.  Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sundaywith fasting continuing during the Holy Week ofOrthodox Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday (called Clean Monday) and Ash Wednesday is not observed.

The Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19;Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.

During lent many of the faithful commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxury as a way to keep their minds stayed on Jesus.  Many people will often give up old habits or addictions to seek spiritual growth within their lives.

Do you observe Ash Wednesday?  What are you giving up? 

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is launching a basic cable television network intending to showcase uplifting images of African Americans to a target audience.

The 24-hour channel will be beneficial, the former Los Angeles Lakers star said, by offering African American actors who have struggled to find work in mainstream Hollywood, new opportunities to work in their profession.

The network to be called Aspire will include film, TV, music, comedy, performing arts and shows about faith.

Olympic gold medal “Dream Team” player Johnson, who in 2002 was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, said he has found a way to present positive images of African Americans with stories that are written, produced and directed by African Americans.

“This is so exciting for me, I’m pinching myself,” Johnson said in a phone interview with The Los Angeles Times. “This is big for myself, for the African American community, and the African American creative community. I wanted a vehicle to show positive images and to have stories written, produced and directed by African Americans for our community. Aspire – that’s how I’ve been leading my life.”

America’s biggest cable provider Comcast, have also recently announced another minority-owned network to be backed by a big name celebrity.

Hip-hop star and Chairman of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group Sean “Diddy” Combs has also revealed his plan to start his own music television network called Revolt. His network, which is set to be launched in 2013, will feature music and pop culture programming such as music videos, live performances, and interviews.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to be part of this effort to bring diverse programming to the masses. Marked by this partnership with Comcast, my hope is that this new network will spark a revolution in entertainment and encourage other media and communications companies to bring Revolt to their audiences” Diddy said on his new project.

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KIRK FRANKLIN and his chart-topping album HELLO FEAR was just certified Gold, as reported by the R.I.A.A. The announcement follows Franklin’s two GRAMMY® awards wins for Best Gospel Album (HELLO FEAR) and Best Gospel Song (“Hello Fear”) earlier this week at the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards celebration held on February 12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. With these two new trophies, Franklin – the #1 selling Gospel artist of all time – now has nine career GRAMMY® awards. Franklin also performed at this year’s live NBC Network NAACP Image award show. in which he was the winner for – Outstanding Song (“I Smile”) and Outstanding Gospel Album (HELLO FEAR).

Franklin’s HELLO FEAR debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel sales chart and #5 on the Billboard Top 200 when it was released last Spring, making the album the fourth highest Gospel debut in Soundscan history. In addition to his GRAMMY® wins and NAACP nominations, Franklin was recently awarded four Stellar Awards for HELLO FEAR and “I Smile” — Song of The Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Franklin performed “I Smile” on last year’s American Idol finale, and was #1 at Gospel radio for 23 weeks, hitting Urban AC radio at #3. Currently, Franklin stars as Baylor Sykes in the feature film Joyful Noise starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. He also hosts and executive produces gospel talent show “Sunday Best,” the highest-rated gospel program in BET network history, now heading into its fifth season.

For two decades, Kirk Franklin has been a pioneer in gap-bridging musicianship, uniting gospel, hip hop, pop and R&B audiences. His rhythms have resulted in albums that have consistently topped Billboard’s Gospel, Christian and R&B/Hip Hop charts. He is also a New York Times best-selling author for “The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham/Penguin). To date, Franklin has garnered nine GRAMMY® Awards, an American Music Award, 35 Stellar Awards, 14 Dove Awards (CCM), six NAACP Image Awards and two BET Awards.

It’s been two years since Gotee Records pop songstress Stephanie Smith last offered up a new project, but today she’s sharing her powerful new single, “Letting Go,” as it releases digitally across the country.

The anthemic, catchy track was produced by Barry Weeks (Francesca Battistelli, Avalon, Hawk Nelson) and written by Smith and Weeks, along with hit songwriter Brian White.

“I feel like there have been a million songs called ‘Letting Go,’ but I still wrestle with executing the concept in my day to day,” says Smith. “This song is my reminder to myself that there is a good God who sees me, knows me and has a better plan for my life than I do. Sometimes I get too attached to an idea of how my life should look and when my expectations aren’t met, the process of releasing my grip can be painful, but I know that I am always safe in his grip.”

After initial raves with 2008’s full-length debut, Not Afraid, she followed with an EP-2009’s Stephanie Smith-which heralded the production handiwork of Mark Lee Townsend (Relient K, House Of Heroes, Deas Vail) with Smith co-writing all five of the tracks. Smith has toured non-stop with an ever-growing fan base, solid album sales, and industry acclaim. Her packed-out schedule found her making the rounds at music festivals such as Rockfest, Ichthus, AtlantaFest, Music in the Park, Kingdom Bound, and Riverstages, as well as a return to Agape Fest, the original stage that lead her to meeting TobyMac and eventually signing a deal with Gotee Records.

Upon on the unveiling of her long-awaited new single, TobyMac comments, “Stephanie Smith is a tenacious young artist with a voice that rises to the skies and a vision that demands our attention.”

Smith has also performed at various conferences including Feedback Conferences, Secret Keeper Girl Tour, Pure Freedom, and the Asphalt Assault Tour, and also joined illusionist Brock Gill as part of the Florida-based SuperWow Camps, where nearly 350 individual youth groups attended weekly. Smith continues to work with the non-profit organization Soles4souls, as well as Compassion International.

The Sounds of Blackness took home an award for Outstanding Best World Music Album at this years NAACP Image Awards. The group has been around for over 40 years impacting audiences in five continents with the depth and breadth of its artistry, covering all forms of African-American music from gospel and soul to jazz, R&B, reggae, hip-hop, rock and blues, to ragtime, field hollers, work songs and traditional spirituals. 

Watch the entire broadcast below.

This years winners are below in BOLD 

Outstanding Motion Picture
“Jumping the Broom”
“Pariah”
“The First Grader”
“The Help” – Winner
“Tower Heist”

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Eddie Murphy – “Tower Heist”
Laurence Fishburne – “Contagion”
Laz Alonso -“Jumping the Broom” – Winner
Oliver Litondo – “The First Grader”
Vin Diesel – “Fast Five”

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Adepero Oduye – “Pariah”
Emma Stone -” The Help”
Paula Patton – “Jumping the Broom”
Viola Davis – “The Help” – Winner
Zoe Saldana – “Colombiana”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Anthony Mackie – “The Adjustment Bureau”
Charles Parnell – “Pariah”
Don Cheadle – “The Guard”
Jeffrey Wright – “The Ides of March”
Mike Epps – “Jumping the Broom” – Winner

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Bryce Dallas Howard – “The Help”
Cicely Tyson – “The Help”
Kim Wayans – “Pariah”
Maya Rudolph – “Bridesmaids”
Octavia Spencer – “The Help” – Winner

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
“I Will Follow”
“Kinyarwanda”
“MOOZ-lum”
“Pariah” – Winner
“The First Grader”

Outstanding Foreign Motion Picture
“A Separation”
“Attack the Block”
“In the Land of Blood and Honey” – Winner
“Le Havre”
“Life, Above All”

Outstanding Documentary (Theatrical or Television) 
“Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest”
“Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey”
“Sing Your Song” – Winner
“The Rescuers”
“Thunder Soul”

TV

Outstanding Comedy Series
“Love That Girl! “
“Modern Family”
“Reed Between the Lines”
“The Game”
“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” – Winner

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Dule Hill – “Psych”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner – “Reed Between the Lines” – Winner
Phil Morris – “Love That Girl! “
Pooch Hall – “The Game”
Terry Crews – “Are We There Yet? “

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Tatyana Ali – “Love That Girl! “
Tia Mowry-Hardrict – “The Game”
Tracee Ellis Ross – “Reed Between the Lines” – Winner
Vanessa Williams – “Desperate Housewives”
Wendy Raquel Robinson – “The Game”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Craig Robinson – “The Office”
Damon Wayans, Jr. – “Happy Endings”
J.B. Smoove – “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Nick Cannon – “Up All Night” – Winner
Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Amber Riley – “Glee”
Gabourey Sidibe – “The Big C”
Keshia Knight Pulliam – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” – Winner
Maya Rudolph – “Up All Night”
Sofia Vergara – “Modern Family”

Outstanding Drama Series
“Boardwalk Empire”
“Grey’s Anatomy”
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” – Winner
“The Good Wife”
“Treme”

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Andre Braugher – “Men of a Certain Age”
Hill Harper – “CSI: NY”
L.L. Cool J – “NCIS: Los Angeles” – Winner
Taye Diggs – “Private Practice”
Wendell Pierce – “Treme”

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Chandra Wilson – “Grey’s Anatomy”
Khandi Alexander – “Treme”
Regina King – “SouthLAnd” – Winner
Sandra Oh – “Grey’s Anatomy”
Taraji P. Henson – “Person of Interest”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Corey Reynolds – “The Closer”
Ice T – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
James Pickens, Jr. – “Grey’s Anatomy” – Winner
Nelsan Ellis – “True Blood”
Omar Epps – “House M.D.”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Alfre Woodard – “Memphis Beat”
Anika Noni Rose – “Law & Order Special Victims Unit”
Archie Panjabi – “The Good Wife” – Winner
Diahann Carroll – “White Collar”
Loretta Devine – “Grey’s Anatomy”

Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
“Five”
“Hallmark Hall of Fame, Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith”
“Luther”
“The Least Among You”
“Thurgood” – Winner

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Esai Morales – “We Have Your Husband”
Idris Elba – “Luther”
Laurence Fishburne – “Thurgood” – Winner
Louis Gossett, Jr. – “The Least Among You”
Samuel L. Jackson – “The Sunset Limited”

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Anika Noni Rose – “Hallmark Hall of Fame, Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith” Jenifer Lewis – “Five”
Rosario Dawson – “Five”
Taraji P. Henson – “Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story” – Winner
Tracee Ellis Ross – “Five”

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Aaron D. Spears – “The Bold and the Beautiful”
Bryton James -” The Young and the Restless”
Emerson Brooks – “All My Children” – Winner
James Reynolds – “Days of Our Lives”
Texas Battle – “The Bold and the Beautiful”

Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Christel Khalil – “The Young and the Restless”
Julia Pace Mitchell – “The Young and the Restless”
Tatyana Ali – “The Young and the Restless” – Winner
Tonya Lee Williams – “The Young and the Restless”
Yvette Freeman – “The Bold and the Beautiful”

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
“BET News Exclusive: The President Answers Black America”
“Judge Mathis”
“Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel”
“Unsung” – Winner
“Washington Watch with Roland Martin”

Outstanding Talk Series
“Anderson “
“Oprah’s Lifeclass” – Winner
“The Doctors”
“The View”
“The Wendy Williams Show”

Outstanding Reality Series
“All-American Muslim”
“American Idol”
“Dancing with the Stars” – Winner
“Sunday Best”
“Tia & Tamera”

Outstanding Variety Series or Special
“2011 BET Awards”
“Black Girls Rock! “
“Oprah Presents: Master Class” – Winner
“Prince! Behind the Symbol”
“UNCF An Evening of Stars Tribute to Chaka Khan”

Outstanding Children’s Program
“A.N.T. Farm”
“Dora the Explorer”
“Go, Diego! Go! “
“I Can Be President: A Kid’s-Eye View” – Winner
“My Family Tree”

Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children’s Program (Series or Special) 
China Anne McClain – “A.N.T. Farm”
Keke Palmer – “True Jackson, VP” – Winner
Lance Robertson – “Yo Gabba Gabba”
Leon Thomas III – “Victorious”
Zendaya Coleman – “Shake It Up”

Recording

Outstanding New Artist
Committed
Diggy Simmons – Winner
Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. 
Mindless Behavior
Wynter Gordon

Outstanding Male Artist
Anthony Hamilton
Bruno Mars
Cee Lo Green – Winner
Chris Brown
Common

Outstanding Female Artist
Beyonce
Jennifer Hudson
Jill Scott – Winner
Ledisi
Mary J. Blige

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
Boyz II Men
Cee Lo Green feat. Melanie Fiona
Mary J. Blige feat. Drake – Winner
Sounds of Blackness
The Roots

Outstanding Jazz Album
“Chano y Dizzy” – Terence Blanchard and Poncho Sanchez
“Friends” – Stanley Jordan
“Guitar Man” – George Benson – Winner
“Legacy” – Gerald Wilson
“Road Show Vol. 2” – Sonny Rollins

Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) 
“Becoming” – Yolanda Adams 
“Church on the Moon” – Deitrick Haddon
“Hello Fear” – Kirk Franklin – Winner
“Something Big” – Mary Mary
“The Journey” – Andrae Crouch

Outstanding World Music Album
“Afrodiaspora” – Susana Baca
“Carnival Fever” – Brother B
“Live at 2011 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival” – Boukman Eksperyans
“Sounds of Blackness” – Sounds of Blackness – Winner
“The First Grader” – Alex Heffes

Outstanding Music Video
“25/8” – Mary J. Blige
“Hear My Call” – Jill Scott
“I Was Here” – Beyoncé
“Someone Like You” – Adele
“Where You At” – Jennifer Hudson – Winner

Outstanding Song
“Best Thing I Never Had” – Beyonce
“Fool for You” feat. Melanie Fiona – Cee Lo Green
“I Smile” – Kirk Franklin – Winner
“So In Love” feat. Anthony Hamilton – Jill Scott 
“Someone Like You” – Adele

Outstanding Album
“4” – Beyonce
“F.A.M.E. ” – Chris Brown
“I Remember Me” – Jennifer Hudson – Winner
“Lasers” – Lupe Fiasco
“The Light of the Sun” – Jill Scott

Literature

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
“A Silken Thread” – Brenda Jackson
“Boundaries” – Elizabeth Nunez
“Say Amen, Again” – Reshonda Tate Billingsley – Winner
“Silver Sparrow” – Tayari Jones
“The Plot Against Hip Hop: A Novel” – Nelson George

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
“Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America” – Melissa Harris-Perry
“Super Rich” – Russell Simmons
“The Cosmopolitan Canopy” – Elijah Anderson
“The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place” – Hill Harper – Winner
“Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness?: What It Means to Be Black Now” – Toure

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
“2Grieve 2Gether: A Journal from the Heart Helping Survivors & Supporters Navigate the Healing Process” – Denise Hall Brown
“A Defining Moment”- Patricia Duncan
“The Loom” – Shella Gillus
“The Strawberry Letter” – Lyah Le Flore – Winner
“We the Animals” – Justin Torres

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Auto-Biography
“A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mother” – Janny Scott
“Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention” – Manning Marable
“My Song” – Harry Belafonte – Winner
“No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington” – Condoleezza Rice
“The John Carlos Story” – John Carlos, Dave Zirin

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
“A Year to Wellness and Other Weight Loss Secrets” – Bertice Berry
“Living My Dream: An Artistic Approach to Marketing” – Synthia Saint James
“Our Difficult Sunlight: A Guide to Poetry, Literacy, & Social Justice in Classroom & Community” – Quraysh Ali Lansana
“The T.D. Jakes Relationship Bible: Life Lessons on Relationships from the Inspired Word of God” – T.D. Jakes – Winner
“Too Important to Fail: Saving America’s Boys” – Tavis Smiley (Author), Juan Roberts (Illustrator)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
“Afro Clouds & Nappy Rain: The Curtis Brown Poems” – James Golden – Winner
“Head Off & Split” – Nikky Finney
“Honoring Genius: The Narrative of Craft, Art, Kindness and Justice” – Haki Madhubuti
“Intimate Thoughts” – Darrin Henson (Author), Anna Saunders (Illustrator) 
“Last Seen” – Jacqueline Jones Lamon

Outstanding Literary Work – Children
“Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band” – Kwame Alexander (Author), Tim Bowers (Illustrator) 
“Before There Was Mozart” – Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author), James Ransome (Illustrator) 
“Heart and Soul” – Kadir Nelson (Author/Illustrator) 
“White Water” – Michael S. Bandy (Author), Shadra Strickland (Illustrator) 
“You Can Be A Friend” – Tony Dungy (Author), Ron Mazellan (Illustrator) – Winner

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
“Camo Girl” – Kekla Magoon
“Eliza’s Freedom Road: An Underground Railroad Diary” – Jerdine Nolan (Author), Sadra Strickland (Illustrator) 
“Jesse Owens: I Always Loved Running” – Jeff Burlingame – Winner
“Kick” – Walter Dean
“Planet Middle School” – Nikki Grimes

Two of American’s biggest megachurch pastors – Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House and Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church, both in Texas – will share the same stage at the 2012 International Pastors & Leadership Conference. The three-day conference, scheduled to take place May 3-5 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., promises to address the most pressing needs of today’s church and bring together some of the biggest Christian leaders in the world today. Besides Jakes and Osteen, Bishop Tudor Bismark from New Life Covenant Church in Harare, Zimbabwe, Bishop Noel Jones from the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, Calif., and Dr. Cynthia James, a Christian psychologist providing counseling to more than 140 pastors, will be some of the names present at the event.

The conference is aimed at both pastors and their wives, as well as church executives and their administrative support staffs, and will present strategies for how to balance the business of church with the spiritual needs of the congregation and community at large.

What is unique about the event is that it will allow some very prominent pastors, such as Jakes and Osteen, to network and work together, which they do not get to do too often throughout the year with their busy schedules and obligations to their own congregations. Although the conference will have a big focus on senior pastors and look at operational strategies for large churches, it will also have a forum to address the holistic needs of churches of any size.

“Leadership is not just the exclusive domain of the senior pastor. Rather, it is a responsibility shared among those who lay a solid foundation to ensure a structure’s upward stability and proper functioning at every level,” said Bishop T.D. Jakes in a press release.

The theme of this year, called “The Mission is Not Impossible,” will address some of the biggest hardships facing pastors today and look at ways to overcome them. Some of the topics on hand will be the uncertain economy, which continues to pose questions for church finances, the moral failure among leaders, and how pastors can build up their congregation and bring their church up to the next level.

The official website for the event also says that this year there will be more space, more sessions and more empowerment. This year’s conference also includes new workshops such as one featuring live demonstrations in the areas of dance ministry and praise & worship. It promises a more intimate/interactive setting for church leaders and professionals.

The conference, led by Bishop Jakes, has been gathering leaders from around the world since 1995, and is reportedly one of the most successful annual church conferences in the United States.

More than 6,000 church leaders from 25 different nations around the world attended the 2011 International Pastors & Leadership Conference last year, where they learned what to do when a crisis strikes and they need to keep their church together. Also staged in Orlando, the conference brought in around $6.5 million to the region, according to the visitors’ bureau.

Bishop Jakes gives a short preview of the upcoming conference in the clip below, promising that it will be “amazing:”

Gospel Dream Winner Tony LeBron will release Surrender, on March 6, 2012. Surrender, produced by Richie Pena (Natalie Grant; Babyface) with vocals produced by Anthony Evans is a collection of songs ranging from Hillsong’s “Forever Reign” to the more upbeat Latin inspired “Te Alabo” which reflects Tony’s Latin heritage. LeBron, a South Florida based worship leader and performer who was born in the U.S Virgin Islands and is of Puerto Rican descent beat out thousands of entries to win the fourth season of the talent search TV series Gospel Dream on the Gospel Music Channel (GMC).

Surrender was primarily inspired by LeBron’s recent visit to Israel, a visit that would prove to be life changing. Joining up with other fellow singers, LeBron journeyed through the Holy Land, visiting and performing at the Holy Sites. While at the Garden of Gethsamene he was inspired to re-record the #1 song by Clay Crosse, “I surrender all.”

“It was an early morning when we visited the Garden, was raining and I didn’t know what to expect. I began to recollect all that had happened there and realized that this was the place where our Savior surrendered to the Cross so that I could have Life…filled with emotion…I realized my need to surrender completely and what it meant to take up my cross and follow Him.” — Tony LeBron

LeBron’s passion for worship music and his desire to use it as a tool of service for the church has led him to tour and be a guest worship leader at various churches, most recently the Brooklyn Tabernacle. LeBron’s passion to reach out to a multi-cultural generation has resulted in him being a part of several overseas missions trips which have included Costa Rica, Peru and India. Over the years, LeBron was a member of the group TRUTH, the Promise Keepers praise team and has shared the stage with Dove Award Female Vocalist of the year Natalie Grant.

Surrender can be summed up in one statement by LeBron, “It’s only when we completely surrender where we will find life and that more abundantly”. For more information and tour dates visit www.tonylebron.com or email tony@tonylebron.com