With Gospel Music Week in Nashville right around the corner (April 18-22), it was only fitting to have the Dove Award nominees announced Friday morning (February 20, 2009). Though several familiar faces appeared in the top categories, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be its most fan-friendly to date. For the first time in the program’s 40 year history, the audience (rather than only the industry) can vote on two of the most coveted awards: “Artist of the Year” and “New Artist of the Year.”

The first category includes obvious choices like Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Marvin Sapp, Third Day, tobyMac and Chris Tomlin, though alternative rockers Fireflight are indeed an unexpected curveball. “Two words: ‘blown away,’” reveals Fireflight front woman Dawn Richardson. “We are just so honored to be nominated for the first time, and we are completely floored to have been chosen in four categories, especially ‘Artist of the Year!’”

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As for the “New Artist” category, fresh faces include Addison Road, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, Jonathan Nelson, Remedy Drive, Chris Sligh and Tenth Avenue North. “I’m still in awe that I was nominated at all,” adds an equally excited Battistelli. “It’s an honor and a very exciting day, to say the least.”

In addition, the newcomer finds herself in quality company in the “Female Vocalist of the Year” category, which also features Brooke Fraser, Karen Peck Gooch, Natalie Grant, Mandisa, Sandi Patty and Laura Story. The male side is equally stacked with top talent representing multiple generations of faith-based entertainers, including Jeremy Camp, Jon Foreman, Ernie Haase, Brandon Heath, David Phelps, Marvin Sapp and Chris Tomlin.

“It is truly an honor to be nominated in this category with artists I admire,” Camp contends of his “Male Vocalist of the Year” nomination. “It’s always humbling to be voted on by your peers who recognize the passion and hard work put into what we do.”

The “Group of the Year” ballot does an even better job of breaking down boundaries, representing virtually every style from pop to rock to gospel and country. This year’s nominees are Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Mary Mary, MercyMe, Skillet and Third Day.