The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announces superstars Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin as hosts for the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The awards show will take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee at 7:30pm CT.
The show will be broadcast on Monday, October 21st at 8:00pm ET exclusively on the UP network, America’s favorite channel for uplifting entertainment. Tickets are available now at the Allen Arena box office in Nashville or at www.ticketsnashville.com.
In addition to the awards show host, past Dove Award winners and nominees, Gaither Vocal Band, Michael W. Smith, Tamela Mann and TobyMac are the first announced performers with others to be announced soon.
The first round of presenters confirmed includes Dr. Bobby Jones, Isaac Carree, Jaci Velasquez, Lacrae and Pastor Rick Warren.
GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo states, “There are not too many names more synonymous with Christian and Gospel music than our hosts Amy and Kirk. We are so grateful for their contributions to the Dove Awards throughout the years and we’re excited to have them as the co-pilots of what is turning out to be one of the most compelling nights of music ever on the Dove stage.”
Official Vehicle Partner and sponsor of the Dove Cares Red Carpet, Universal KIA Automotive Group owner Chris Bostick says, “The Universal Kia Automotive Group is very proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Dove Awards. Being a Christian based, family owned business, it is a privilege and an honor to be associated with the Christian Music genre. We are looking forward to the award show and all the excitement that surrounds Christian Music’s big night.”
Awards will be given out in 42 categories voted on by the GMA membership. Nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility period of Nov. 1, 2011 through April 30, 2013.
The complete list of nominees is available here