Dove Awards Announce Nominees

Hillsong United, Lecrae, Mandisa and Matt Maher lead the 45th annual Dove Awards nominations for artists with five apiece for gospel and Christian music excellence.

The nominations were announced Wednesday at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where the awards show will be held Oct. 7. Producer and songwriter Wayne Haun leads all nominees with 12 nominations overall.

The Gospel Music Association awards show covers the broad range of Christian music with categories ranging from Southern gospel, rap/hip-hop, rock, pop and inspirational.

Photo: James P. Hendershot

1st Mariner Arema, Baltimore, Md.

Hillsong United, Lecrae and Mandisa are all up for artist of the year along with Needtobreathe, Casting Crowns and Switchfoot. Maher, Hillsong United and Mandisa also are nominated for contemporary Christian performance of the year along with For King And Country and Natalie Grant.